One-step assembly of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings with superior thermal insulation, sustainable antifogging and self-cleaning capabilities

Abstract

Multifunctional transparent glass integrating energy-saving and antifogging properties has receiving continuous attention in basic research and practical applications, which is still plagued by the lack of simple and general methods for low-cost and large-area fabrication. Herein, a multifunctional window with high thermal insulation, antifogging, and self-cleaning functions is rationally fabricated via coating a mixture of polyacrylic acid (PAA), polypropylene glycol (PPG), 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-560), and cesium tungsten bronze (CWO) nanoparticles on a monolayer film. The synergistic effect between the plentiful hydroxyl/carboxyl groups of PAA/PPG and the nano-textured surface induced by CWO nanoparticles enabled the monolayer film to exhibit superhydrophilic, self-cleaning and antifogging capabilities. The film maintains its antifogging properties even after 80 rubbings of dust-free cloth and 120 days of exposure tests at room temperature. Moreover, the as-prepared window can reduce the indoor temperature by 15.8 °C compared to a normal window at noon. The energy simulation results demonstrate that such windows can reduce energy consumption by 18.9 % in local cities compared to traditional windows. The high visible light transmittance, low haze, stable and durable antifogging ability, distinguished energy-saving effect and climate adaptability, as well as the solution-based process of this multifunctional window make it promising for architectural and automotive glass applications.