Robust transparent superhydrophilic antifogging coatings on glass substrates by a facile rapid thermal process

In this study, a rapid thermal process, which can be achieved via the conventional glass tempering process, was utilized to fabricate silica-based superhydrophilic antifogging coatings with micro-nano hierarchical roughness on glass substrates. The effects of SiO 2 nanoparticle and triethylborate loadings on the coatings’ properties have been systematically investigated. Moreover, the formation mechanism of such coatings has been explained. The optimal coatings demonstrate a high level of hydrophilicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of ∼ 0°. Meanwhile, such coatings exhibit good antifogging effect and robustness as well.