Durable self-cleaning nano-titanium dioxide superhydrophilic coating with anti-fog property

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to design the nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating system which has superhydrophilic property, self-cleaning mechanism and antifog property as well as strong adhesion on glass substrate. Design/methodology/approach Two hydrophilic materials have been used such as TiO2 nanoparticles as fillers and hydrophilic copolymer, Pluronic F-127 by using simple sol–gel approach. The prepared solution was applied onto glass through dip- and spray-coating techniques and then left for drying at ambient temperature. Findings The nano-TiO2 superhydrophilic coating has achieved the water contact angle of 4.9° ± 0.5°. The superhydrophilic coating showed great self-cleaning effect against concentrated syrup and methylene blue where thin layer of water washes the dirt contaminants away. The nano-TiO2 coating exhibits great antifog performance that maintains high transparency of around 89% when the coated glass is placed above hot-fog vapor for 10 min. The fog droplets were condensed into water film which allowed the transmission of light through the glass. The strong adhesion of coated glass shows no total failure at scratch profile when impacted with scratch load of 500, 800 and 1,200 mN. Research limitations/implications Findings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning superhydrophilic coating that is applicable on building glass and photovoltaic panel. Practical implications The developed nano-TiO2 coating is developed by the combination of hydrophilic organic copolymer–inorganic TiO2 network to achieve great superhydrophilic property, optimum self-cleaning ability and supreme antifog performance. Social implications The findings will be useful for residents in building glass window where the application will reduce dust accumulation and keep the glass clean for longer period. Originality/value The synthesis of nano-TiO2 superhydrophilic coating which can be sprayed on large glass panel and cured at ambient temperature.

Self-cleaning anti-fog micro-nanostructures by laser marker patterning nickel-coated glass

“…18,37 Based on Wenzel model, high surface roughness generally leads to improved wettability, rendering a hydrophilic surface more hydrophilic and potentially superhydrophilic. 12,20,40 Employing laser ablation as the principal technique, the generation of dual-level rough structures at both the micro and nanoscales was consistently observed. 41 This structural configuration adeptly fulfills the prerequisites for superhydrophilic surface roughness.…”

“…8 Nevertheless, the persistent challenge of fogging and dust deposition on outdoor-deployed photovoltaic glass poses a significant predicament. 5,[9][10][11][12] These issues impede the absorption of incident light, resulting in a decline in photoelectric conversion efficiency. 13,14 It is noteworthy that a mere 3-month lapse in cleaning maintenance can result in a substantial 30% reduction in solar power output efficiency.…”

“…35,36 The preparation of super-hydrophilic coatings typically involves surface chemical modification or surface structuring. 12,36 Li et al coated glass with branched silica nanoparticles by dipping method. 1 The coating enhanced anti-fog performance, with a static water contact angle (WCA) as low as 1.7°.…”

High-Light-Transmittance and Low-Haze Antifog MFI Zeolite Films Fabricated by Solvothermal Secondary Growth

“…For example, if the windshield of a car or airplane becomes foggy, it seriously reduces the driver’s field of vision and can easily cause traffic accidents. − If research instruments such as microscopes experience fog, it will reduce the accuracy of experimental data. − Therefore, it is crucial to prepare an antifog film layer with good transparency and high clarity on bare glass. Most existing materials used as antifog coatings, such as nano-TiO 2 , SiO 2 nanoparticle, and ionic polymer brushes, are naturally superhydrophilic. − Water droplets on a superhydrophilic surface spread easily to form a continuous film, thereby preventing the random scattering of light associated with discrete droplets. − …”

Application of W-Doped VO2 Phase Transition Mechanism and Improvement of Hydrophobic Self-Cleaning Properties to Smart Windows

“…Both kinds can achieve self-cleaning and anti-fouling; only the anti-fouling principle is different [29,30]. Hydrophilic self-cleaning uses ultraviolet light to oxidize organic compounds so that the glass has a super hydrophilic surface [31,32]; however, due to the high surface hardness of glass, the hydrophilic material is easy to fall off. In contrast, hydrophobic self-cleaning is a technique similar to the 'lotus leaf effect' [33], where water droplets falling on a superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle greater than 150 • are carried away in the process of rolling out of the glass surface through its papillary nanostructure, ensuring that the glass is dry and permeable.…”