Influence of Dual Layer Silica Nanoparticles Coating on the Performance Enhancement of Solar PV Modules

Abstract

The Porous silica nanoparticles deposited on the glass as well as bare silicon wafer substrate to obtain super hydrophilicity and antireflectivity. The coating is performed by using aerosol impact deposition system using silane, air and helium as precursor gases. The desired coating thickness over the substrate surface is achieved by tuning the RF power, pressures ratio of reaction to deposition chamber and maneuvering of silane flow rate, helium and air mixture. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the particle size of 12.6 nm, whereas, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is deployed to study the coated film surface topology. This indicates outstanding antifogging and super-hydrophilic properties due to surface roughness and nano-porosity. Moreover, the coated surface graded index increases the transmissivity from 90% to 99.2%. Such enhancements are much favorable for the solar PV applications.