Spray-deposited TiO₂/SiO₂ Composite Coating with Synergistic Antireflection and Self-cleaning Functions for Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are critical to solar energy utilization and global carbon neutrality. However, surface reflection and contamination reduce solar light harvesting and lower the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Superhydrophilic self-cleaning coatings offer a feasible approach, yet achieving high visible transmittance, robust antifouling performance, and long service life remains challenging. Here, we report a durable TiO₂/SiO₂ composite antireflective coating (CARC) with photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and superhydrophilicity-driven water-film formation, fabricated via scalable spray deposition. Optimizing the TiO₂ particle size (∼3.5 nm) and SiO₂/TiO₂ mass ratio (9:1) yields a peak transmittance of 94%, corresponding to a relative increase of ∼3.4% over bare glass. The CARC exhibits a dual self-cleaning behavior, combining photocatalytic degradation of organics, with 45% methylene blue decomposition within 120 min, and superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle below 5°. The coating exhibits mechanical durability with a 7H pencil hardness, Class 1 adhesion, and resistance to 5000 abrasion cycles without significant optical degradation. When applied to PV modules, the CARC improves PCE by 6.1% under natural irradiation and provides an average electricity yield gain of > over a 17-month field test, supporting its potential for photovoltaic applications.

Keywords

Antireflective coating / Durability / Photovoltaic module / Self-cleaning / TiO₂/SiO₂ composite

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