Broadband anti-reflective coatings with anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency

Anti-reflective coatings play a vital in improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells, but they still suffers from poor self-cleaning performance and low transmittance. Herein, this paper presents broadband anti-reflective coatings prepared from ZnO, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and modified silica gel consists of the low surface energy substances methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). Specifically, the prepared coatings possess a porous cross-linked network to ensure low refractive index and good adhesion to the substrate. Based on experimental results, the broadband transmittance of these coatings is 4.8 % higher than bare glass and the peak transmittance is up to 98.4 % at 473 nm. Correspondingly, the PCE of the coating increased by 1.23 %. Simulated outdoor testing further confirms its excellent dust removal and organic matter degradation capabilities. These rational designed multifunctional coatings possess great potential for application in broadband transmittance-enhancing and in a variety of complex environments (dust, organic contamination, bird droppings).