One-step synthesis of SiO2 nanomesh for antireflection and self-cleaning of solar cell

SiO2 nanomaterials are widely used for antireflection and self-cleaning, but the preparation process is usually complex and time-consuming. Hence, we present a facile one-step synthesis of a hydrophobic two-dimensional SiO2 nanomesh by tuning the reaction temperature using dodecylamine as a catalyst. SiO2 nanomesh has the advantages of an adjustable refractive index, simple preparation process, and low cost, which affords both antireflection and self-cleaning functions for solar cells. Two types of perovskite solar cells were used to verify the stability and universality of the SiO2 nanomesh coatings. The antireflection effect of the SiO2 nanomesh is found to increase the current density of both perovskite solar cells fabricated at 500 °C and 150 °C, with the efficiency increased by 4.48% and 4.79%, respectively.