Water-free dedusting on antireflective glass with durable superhydrophobicity

作者：Zhan, Wei; Wang, Wei; Xiao, Zhen; Yu, Xinquan^*; Zhang, Youfa^*

来源：Surface and Coatings Technology, 2018, 356: 123-131.

DOI：10.1016/j.surfcoat.2018.09.064

• Porous glass
• Superhydrophobic
• Phase-separation
• Transparent

In arid and water-deficient areas, contaminants on solar panels seriously affect the conversion efficiency of solar cells, since they are not removed by rainwater. This study introduces a superhydrophobic silica surface with special self-cleaning characteristics. Even in arid areas, dust on the surface is removed autonomously via the departure of dew drops: the self-jumping behavior of drops dramatically improves the dedusting efficiency and cleans the surface in a short time. This coating is prepared via a unique method in which interpenetrating nanosized silica pores are formed in sodium borosilicate glass. After surface modification, the treated glass has higher light transmission and better superhydrophobic and oleophobic properties, and subsequent heat treatment ensures good mechanical stability. We investigated different scenarios for particle removal from surfaces via condensate self-jumping for different particle numbers, sizes and types. The results provide new ideas and insights into the application of self-cleaning materials in optical instruments.

• 出版日期2018-12-25
• 单位东南大学