Multifunctional robust self-cleaning nanocoating with accurately interfacial engineered core-shell nanostructures for enhanced photovoltaic performance

The research introduces durable superhydrophilic nanocoating for photovoltaic (PV) panels that significantly enhance the self-cleaning capability of solar panels with 2.5 ∼ 3.0% anti-reflection effect. The nanocoating is crafted through a sodium silicate oxidation method, precisely controlled by microfluidic instruments. This process embeds nanoparticles within an ultra-thin amorphous silica shell, which can be customized to a minimum thickness of 0.77 nm. Additionally, the initial water contact angle (WCA) can reach an ultra-hydrophilic level of 1.5°. The photocatalytic degradation performance of methylene blue solution confirms the coating’s effectiveness under visible light. Furthermore, the core–shell structure is demonstrated to narrow the band gap by optimizing the charge separation within the core–shell system, resulting in a band gap narrowing of 4% to 4.5%, which indicates enhanced potential for photocatalytic self-cleaning. The formulated nanocoating exhibits superior hydrophilic behavior, resilience against UV aging, and significant enhancement of surface roughness and robustness. The research indicates that the developed nanocoating improves the energy generation efficiency of photovoltaic panels by 5.8% over a period of 227 days, thereby contributing to sustainable energy solutions and advancing carbon neutrality through solar power.