Mesoporous aluminium titanate: Superhydrophilic and photocatalytic antireflective coating for solar glass covers with superior mechanical properties

Abstract

In this study, the results of non-stoichiometric mesoporous aluminum titanate (mp-AlxTiOy) coating using sol-gel-based block copolymers assisted evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) have been presented. Here, a remarkably durable superhydrophilic coating with photocatalytic and anti-reflecting properties has been reported. With a Vicker's Hardness of 899 HV, mp-AlxTiOy coating on glass substrate indicates outstanding mechanical durability when exposed to the outside environment. Further, conventional accelerated ageing tests like the UV exposure test, damp-heat test, and saline resistance test were conducted to evaluate the endurance of the coating. By measuring the water contact angle, it has been proven that this coating is superhydrophilic. It has been shown through time-dependent degradation of (methylene blue, MB) dye; mp-AlxTiOy possesses photocatalytic capabilities similar to mp-TiO2. Additionally, the mp-AlxTiOy coatings were found to exhibit improved optical transmittance and a reduced refractive index value. The power gain of a conventional Si solar cell was finally studied by examining the I–V characteristics of mp-AlxTiOy coated glass coupons attached to the solar cell.