US researchers zap frost away using ice’s hidden electrical charge

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed an innovative, energy-efficient deicing technique called Electrostatic Defrosting (EDF) that removes frost by exploiting ice’s inherent electrical properties rather than relying on heat or chemicals. Frost crystals contain microscopic electrical charges known as ionic defects—localized positive or negative charge imbalances caused by imperfections in the ice lattice. By applying a high voltage to an electrode positioned above the frost, the method manipulates these charges to polarize the frost layer, generating an attractive force strong enough to fracture and dislodge frost crystals from surfaces. Initial experiments showed that applying voltages between 120 and 550 volts increased frost removal from 15 percent (passive removal) up to 50 percent. However, higher voltages unexpectedly reduced effectiveness due to charge leakage into the underlying copper substrate. To overcome this, the team introduced a superhydrophobic, highly insulating surface that trapped air and prevented charge leakage, allowing higher voltages to achieve up to 75 percent frost removal. This advancement demonstrated