Phase Change Barriers and Methods of Use Thereof

A method for preventing or delaying the onset of a phase change on a surface, said method comprising:

• providing a modified surface that comprises a nanostructured surface modification on a surface and a hydrophobic functional layer deposited or layered over at least a portion of the nanostructured surface modification;
• and
• contacting the modified surface with a fluid stream that comprises a substance in at least one first phase comprising the substance in a vapor phase and/or in a liquid phase under environmental conditions at which phase change to a second phase would occur on an identical surface that does not comprise the nanostructured surface modification and the hydrophobic functional layer,
• wherein the modified surface is subcooled by greater than about 1° C. below the equilibrium phase transition temperature of said first phase to said second phase, and
• wherein said phase change is prevented or delayed on said modified surface in comparison to an identical surface that does not comprise the nanostructured surface modification and the hydrophobic functional layer.