Aerosol-based deposition of broadband antireflective silica coating with closed mesoporous structure

Solar energy will be a crucial part of the sustainable, fossil free production future. A majority this produced by solar collectors and photovoltaics. Important for efficient utilization incident both technologies are cover glass with antireflective coatings giving it high transmittance. In current paper we describe development mesoporous silica on low-iron float using aerosol-based nFOG™ deposition technique. The exhibit hexagonal closed pore structure, smoothness, superhydrophilic properties (contact angle <5°) consistent thicknesses approximately 110 nm. This is in line optimal thickness determined from simulations behavior. Low-iron coated sides show highly reproducible weighted transmittance 95% wavelength range 300–2500 nm an effect increasing angle. pores low contact indicate cleanability, which combination render competitive broadband coating well adapted applications. • Sol-gel synthesis based evaporation induced self-assembly Mesoporous exhibiting hexagonally ordered pores, aligned parallel to substrate, but surface. Smooth, consistent, thick were produced, close simulated 120 95%.