Self-cleaning thin films for anti-reflective solar cell coatings (2013-2015)
Abstract
This project aims to develop a new class of composite thin films with self-cleaning and anti-reflective dual function for solar cell coating application. The key concept is the nanostructural design of exfoliated nanosheets of TiO2 and MgAl-based layered double hydroxides (LDH) to achieve hydrophilic composite thin films with both photocatalytic self-cleaning and anti-reflective properties. The relationship between film fabrication, structural modification and self-cleaning/anti-reflective performance will be established. The newly-developed coatings on glass substrates are expected to maximise sunlight harvesting and reduce surface contaminant, thus improving the overall conversion efficiency and durability of solar cells.
