High-Efficiency Omnidirectional Broadband Light-Management Coating Using the Hierarchical Ordered–Disordered Nanostructures with Ultra-Mechanochemical Resistance

Abstract

High-efficient light-management nanostructures are critical to various optical applications. However, in practical implementation, these structures have been limited by the need to resist mechanical abrasion, erosion, chemical exposure, ultraviolet radiation, and performance deterioration by dust accumulation. To address these critical technological gaps, we herein report a conceptually different approach, employing a hierarchical nanostructure embedded with multilayer LightScribe-etched graphene, capable of omnidirectional broadband light management with both high optical transparency (>90%) and high haze (∼89%), ideal for photovoltaics, which simultaneously demonstrates extraordinary robustness to various environmental challenges ranging from mechanical abrasion, UV exposure, corrosions, outdoor exposures to resistance to dust accumulation. The reported nanostructures can be readily combined to any optoelectrical device’s surface, and the practical tests on coated amorphous silicon solar cells show that it outperforms the state-of-the-art commercial coating by maintaining both 10% efficiency improvement along with the prevention of dust accumulation in contrast to 56.2% efficiency degradation with the commercial coating after the 1 month outdoor test.

Sustainable and Superhydrophobic Lignocellulose-Based Transparent Films with Efficient Light Management and Self-Cleaning

“…For outdoor light-management films in practical application, dust accumulation is always the main challenge. 25 To broaden the applicability and durability of light-management films in diverse fields, integrating the superhydrophobic surface with a self-cleaning function into the films is a promising strategy. 26 Recently, many studies have been reported to enhance the hydrophobic performance of films.…”

Shifting to Transparent/Hazy Properties: The Case of Alginate/Network Cellulose All‐Polysaccharide Composite Films

“…[4] Finally, 4) Solar cells are equipped with a hazy layer solely to propagate sunlight ray distance via light scattering, which as a result, significantly boost the photoelectric conversion efficiency. [5][6][7][8][9] Flexible electronic substrates in any optoelectronic devices are mainly made of glass or plastic. Optical substrates market has been greatly influenced by plastics due to the low-cost and light weight characteristics.…”

Breaking and Connecting: Highly Hazy and Transparent Regenerated Networked-Nanofibrous Cellulose Films via Combination of Hydrolysis and Crosslinking

“…The percentage of optical haze is described as the percentage of transmitted light through a substrate that diffusely scatters. This advantageous scattering of sunlight increases the absorption path of light, enhancing solar cell conversion efficiency [ 10 , 11 ]. The market for flexible thin-film solar cells has been influenced by plastic substrates, due to their low costs and light weight.…”