Superhydrophobic Coatings of Silica NPs on Cover Glass of Solar Cells for Self-Cleaning Applications

Inspired by the lotus leaf, scientists have extended the self-cleaning property by controlling the surface structure and surface chemistry of coatings. The accumulation of various types of dust particles on solar cell cover glass surfaces hinders the conversion of light energy into electric energy, and hence consequently reduces the output efficiency of solar cell panels. In the present study, the suspension of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in hexane was successively applied on the cover glass of solar panels via spray coating technique. The superhydrophobic coating with water contact angle of 160° ± 2° along with sliding angle of 6° was achieved by spraying multiple layers of suspension of SiO2 NPs. The surface morphology and wetting property of the prepared superhydrophobic coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and contact angle meter, respectively. The mechanical stability of coatings was studied by adhesive tape peeling, sandpaper abrasion, and water jet impact test. The self-cleaning performance of the prepared superhydrophobic coating was studied systematically by spreading artificial dust particles on the coating surface. Therefore, this facile method of preparation of self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating may have a promising application in industries for manufacturing self-cleaning cover glasses of solar cell panels.