Antifogging Performance Research Articles

Fabrication of Robust Carbon Dots Containing Coatings with UV-Shielding, Light Conversion, and Antifogging Multiple Functions.

Although a wide variety of single-function coatings have been successfully developed, the integration of multiple functions onto a single coating has remained an immense challenge in the field. Here, we report a simple room-temperature fabrication of robust coatings with UV-shielding, light conversion, and antifogging functionalities. The addition of glutaraldehyde (GA) molecular cross-linker and carbon dot (CD) nanocross-linker with light conversion function to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) resulted in the formation of robust spatial structures of coatings. The fluorescence intensity tests demonstrated that the coatings had an excellent ability to absorb and convert ultraviolet light into blue-violet light. Both cold-warm and hot-vapor tests showed that the coatings had excellent antifogging performance. To our surprise, no creases were observed after coatings were immersed in water for 1 month, indicating that these are much stronger than those reported so far. The 8H pencil hardness and wear resistance attested to their excellent mechanical properties. The current preparation method can be operated at ambient temperature and is not restricted by the substrate type and shape. Therefore, it may also expand the possibilities for future applications of coatings for glass windows, optical microscopes, eyeglasses, agricultural greenhouses, and so on.

Radiation polymerization for the preparation of universal coatings: remarkable anti-fogging and frost-resisting performance.

Hydrophilic anti-fogging coatings have attracted considerable attention due to their ease of preparation and excellent fog resistance. In this study, a hydrophilic anti-fogging coating based on the random copolymer p(AA-co-SAS) was prepared using acrylic acid (AA) and sodium allylsulfonate (SAS) as monomers through radiation polymerization. The introduction of SAS successfully transformed the random copolymer from a gel state into a film-forming polymer solution. The presence of AA structural units in p(AA-co-SAS) improved the film-forming properties of the polymer solution. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the proportion of SAS structural units in the random copolymer and the scratch hardness and wetting properties of the coating. After coating polycarbonate (PC) sheets, the surface hydrophilicity was significantly enhanced, with the contact angle of PC-AA10/SAS5 decreasing from 100.1° to 18.8° within 50 seconds. The outstanding wetting properties endowed the coating with exceptional anti-fogging and frost-resisting performance. It exhibited optimal transparency under both testing conditions and demonstrated good stability during cyclic testing. Tape adhesion tests indicated that the adhesion between the coating and PC reached a 5B level. When AA10/SAS5 was applied to PET film, glass, and PMMA goggles, all samples showed excellent anti-fog performance. Even after being naturally placed for one year under ambient conditions, the PMMA goggles still maintained good performance in the anti-fog and frost resistance tests. The remarkable comprehensive properties of the polymer coating based on p(AA-co-SAS) suggest enormous potential applications in industries such as packaging, healthcare, and optical equipment.

Rational design and easy fabrication of transparent photothermal/hygroscopic composite coatings with long-lasting antifogging performance under sunlight activation.

Hygroscopic polymers are good candidates for antifogging coatings, but their long-term effectiveness is limited by the equilibrium between water absorption and expansion. As an efficient and environmentally friendly solution, photothermal materials are being introduced into the field of antifogging. However, there is a need for enhancement in the spectral characteristics of most photothermal materials within the visible light region. In addition, photothermal antifogging coatings often exhibit a delay in heating response, which hinders their ability to promptly evaporate condensed water droplets in the absence of illumination or during initial illumination. Here, a bilayer structure design of photothermal nanomaterials/hygroscopic polymers is proposed to achieve long-term antifogging under sunlight activation. Ensuring the rapid absorption of condensed water droplets on the coating surface, while simultaneously achieving efficient photothermal conversion for a swift temperature increase over the entire coating, is key to this approach, which will not only suppress early fogging but also lead to an exponential decrease of the nucleation rate of droplets. During this process, a dynamic equilibrium is gradually established between the condensation and evaporation of fog droplets, leading to long-term antifogging properties. The light transmittance of the composite coatings reaches as high as ca. 75% in the visible light region, making them well suited for a diverse range of transparent substrate and device applications. A clear field of view can be maintained for at least 6 h under 1 sun illumination above 65 °C hot steam. The antifogging/defogging performance is effectively demonstrated even under challenging non-ideal natural conditions, such as low solar irradiation during dusk or when placed indoors behind windows.

Free-standing interpenetrating PVA-PEGDA films with excellent antifogging performance and mechanical robustness

Robust antifogging films have significant potential for a wide range of applications on the surfaces of transparent materials. Nevertheless, currently either their preparation methods are complex or their mechanical properties such as hardness, wear, scrub and water resistance are yet to be improved before they can be applied in practical applications. In this work, we have developed a facile room temperature approach to fabricating free-standing films of excellent antifogging properties and mechanical robustness. Glutaraldehyde (GA) was used to cross-link polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ultraviolet (UV) light was applied to initiate polymerization of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), leading to robust interpenetrating networks (IPN). The films also had excellent mechanical properties with pencil hardness up to 8H, Taber wear-resistance up to 10,000 cycles, and sponge scrub resistance up to 300 cycles. The tensile strength and tearing strength of films reached as high as 100 MPa and 700 kN/m, respectively, much higher than those of free-standing films reported so far. This approach may hold great potential for broad application on various substrates, particularly those with low glass transition temperatures (e.g., transparent plastic films). It may expand the possibilities for future applications of free-standing antifogging films for screens, optical lenses and so on.

Durable self-cleaning antireflective and antifog Al micro-nano structure on glass by laser marker ablation

Fogging poses a significant challenge, occasionally jeopardizing life safety in automotive and surgical fields. The maintenance of high efficiency in photovoltaic systems necessitates regular cleaning, consuming millions of tons of water annually, rendering it financially burdensome in arid regions. The implementation of glass antireflection is a necessary strategy for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency. Therefore, self-cleaning, antifog and antireflective properties have attracted wide attention. A hierarchical micron-nano structure was fabricated by laser marker fast ablation of Al coated soda lime glass in air. The composition, structure, morphology, transparency, and anti-fog performance of the structured samples were measured and analyzed. The influence of Al coating thickness and laser scanning speed on the resulting surface properties was investigated. The structured surface exhibited a distinct hillock-hollow micro-structure, with widely distributed Al-based nanoparticles covering the entire surface. Consequently, the treated samples demonstrated a water contact angle of 0°, siginfing superhydrophilicity, and exhibited outstanding and durable antifogging properties for over 150 days. Even after 540 days of storage in the laboratory, a noticeable antifog effect persisted for the treated sample compared to the reference, which had degraded substantially. Notably, achieving 0-degree superhydrophilicity took within a mere 1 s for the structured surface, which also showed outstanding antifouling and self-cleaning attributes. Moreover, the treated glass exhibited a broadband transmission enhancement of 2 % in the range of 400–1100 nm compared to the control glass. It is important to highlight that the combination of durable superhydrophilic antifog performance, self-cleaning attribute, and broadband transmission enhancement has not been reported previously for laser-ablated surfaces. This technique exhibits significant potential for wide-ranging applications across multiple fields.

Fabrication of organic-inorganic nonhomogeneous nanocomposite coating with enhanced antifogging properties

Antifogging coatings with superhydrophilic performance by manipulating composition and structure have obtained significant consideration over recent years attributed to their ability to readily form a thin water film, which does not deteriorate light transmission. In this work, an advanced organic-inorganic nonhomogeneous antifogging coating has been successfully fabricated. The bottom layer was comprised of silica nanoparticles, forming the three-dimensional (3D) network skeleton via the condensation of silicon hydroxyl, which enhanced the water resistance ability of the coating; while the top layer was formed by silica-polymer nanocomposite, which conferred the coating good antifogging capability due to its abundant hydrophilic groups. The composite coating exhibited size-dependent surface properties, when the average particle size of silica was 10 nm, the nanocomposite coating exhibited remarkable antifogging and frost-resisting properties. Furthermore, the composite coating also showed higher stability than the pure polymer coating, and it remained outstanding antifogging performance after soaking in water for 6 h, or 180 h of exposure to UV irritation.

Thiol-ene click reaction as an effective tool for the synthesis of PEG-functionalized alkoxysilanes-precursors of anti-fog coatings

The article presents a very simple method of glass modification to obtain the anti-fog effect. Silanes containing two types of functional groups, namely a hydrophilic and polar polyether group and an alkoxysilyl group (to bond with the surface of the modified material) were synthesized in thiol-ene reactions. The hydrothiolation reactions of polyethers containing a C=C terminal bond with mercaptoalkoxysilane proceeded efficiently, yielding quantitatively appropriate products under mild reaction conditions. This method enabled the synthesis of a series of alkoxysilanes functionalized with polyethers, differing in structure. The group of obtained derivatives was characterized by 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR, and FT-IR analyses, and then used to prepare coatings on glass using the sol–gel method. The coated glass surfaces exhibited transparency, superhydrophilic or hydrophilic properties, anti-fog and anti-frost performance.

Development of antifogging double-layer film using cellulose nanofibers and carboxymethyl chitosan for white Hypsizygus marmoreus preservation

Films with simultaneously excellent mechanical and anti-fog properties are of great importance for food packaging. A novel strategy is described here to prepare long-lasting anti-fog film with antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities via a simple, green approach. The CMC (carboxymethyl chitosan) gel was integrated with CNF/TA (cellulose nanofibers/tannic acid) composite solution based on layer-by-layer assembly to form a membrane with a bilayer structure. The anti-fog performance of the bilayer film could be adjusted by regulating the CNF/TA layer thickness. On the whole, the developed anti-fog film had high mechanical strength and excellent UV shielding properties, as well as good antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and could be non-fogging for a long time under water vapor (40 °C). The effect of double layer anti-fog film (3%CmFT-3) on the fresh-keeping effect of white Hypsizygus marmoreus was compared at room temperature (28 °C) with commercially available anti-fog PVC film. The results showed that the bilayer anti-fog film could effectively prevent the generation of fog, delay the Browning, inhibit mildew, improve the overall acceptability, and effectively extend the shelf life of white Hypsizygus marmoreus. This biomass-based anti-fog film offers great potential for the development of multifunctional green food packaging.

Phyllostachys Viridis-Leaf-like MLMN Surfaces Constructed by Nanosecond Laser Hybridization for Superhydrophobic Antifogging and Anti-Icing.

In nature, many species commonly evolve specific functional surfaces to withstand harsh external environments. In particular, structured wettability of surfaces has attracted tremendous interest due to its great potential in antifogging and anti-icing properties. Phyllostachys Viridis is a resistant low-temperature (-18 °C) plant with superhydrophobicity and ice resistivity behaviors. In this work, with inspiration from the representative cold-tolerant plants leaves, a unique multilevel micronano (MLMN) surface was fabricated on copper substrate by ultrafast laser process, which exhibited superior superhydrophobic characteristics with the water contact angle > 165° and rolling angle< 2°. In the dynamic wettability experiment, the rebound efficiency of the droplet on the MLMN surface reached 20.6%, and the contact time was only 10.6 ms. In the condensation experiment, the nucleation, growth, merging, and bouncing of fog drops on the surface was distinctly observed, indicating that rational texture structures can improve the antifogging performance of the surface. In the anti-icing experiment, the freezing time was delayed to 921 s at -10 °C, and the freezing time of salt water reached a staggering 1214 s. Moreover, the mechanical durability of MLMN surfaces was confirmed by scratch damage, sandpaper abrasion, and icing and melting cycle tests, and their repairability was evaluated for product applications in practice. Finally, the underlying antifogging/anti-icing strategy of the MLMN surface was also revealed. We anticipate that the investigations offer a promising way to handily design and fabricate multiscale hierarchical structures with reliable antifogging and anti-icing performance, especially in saltwater-related applications.

UV-cured organic-inorganic hybrid networks for durable antifogging coating

Preventing surface fogging is critical for maintaining transparency in various transparent applications such as windows, mirrors and goggles. However, the fabrication of durable antifogging surfaces has been significantly challenging. The challenges include the lack of a simple preparation method, low coating hardness, poor water resistance and inability to self-healing. In this work, we developed an organic-inorganic interpenetrating hydrophilic antifogging coating using vinyl hybridized silica nanoparticles (VSNPs), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and methacrylic acid (MAA). A durable antifogging coating with self-healing capabilities has been prepared using a facile UV curing process. Such a hybrid coating can maintain its outstanding antifogging performance even after 4000 cycles of sand abrasion and 36 h of water immersion. Due to these outstanding properties and facile preparation, VSNPs-PVA/PMAA coating shows great potential in practical applications.

Developing core-shell silica nanoparticles to create multifunctional coating with excellent antireflection, enhanced antifogging and anticorrosion performances

How to fabricate a multifunctional coating with controllable ultralow refractive index (RI), high antifogging and anticorrosion performances by a facile method is still one of the great challenges. In this work, a simple and time-saving approach involving a microwave-assisted sol-sel process was developed to fabricate a novel core-shell structured silica nanoparticle sol by co-condensation of perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (F-DTOS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and self-condensation of F-DTOS. Results suggest that both the co-condensations and self-condensations not only give a layer of low surface energy –C10H4F17 groups on the silica particles but also enlarge the hybrid silica particle size, providing more and larger voids to form the high porosity. After spinning the silica nanoparticles on the substrate, the obtained optical coating exhibits the controllable ultralow refractive index (RI) and outstanding transparency. The minimum RI and maximum transmittance of our developed coating is up to ~1.04 and ~100 %, respectively. Moreover, because of the high porosity and the presence of low surface energy –C10H4F17 groups in the coating, the coating has the high hydrophobicity (water contact angle ~108.8°), which not only makes it excellent antifogging performance but also affords it high-efficient anticorrosion property. After immersion in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 7 days, the Rct value of the coating could be higher than 7.3 × 104 Ω cm2. It is believed that our developed method used to fabricate such multifunctional coating does not need any costly equipments, complex steps and time-consuming, making it well suited for industrial application.

Graphene composite self-healing antifog/frost-resist transparent coatings with zwitter-wettability

Self-healing materials achieve both durability and simplified maintenance by restoring their structure and function. However, self-healing materials utilizing surface hydrophilicity are considered incompatible with zwitter-wettability properties. Therefore, further investigation is needed to fabricate antifogging coatings that combine zwitter-wettability and self-healing properties. In this study, we demonstrated that polymer multilayer graphene composite coatings exhibit simultaneous antifogging and self-healing properties. We achieved a uniform dispersion of an aqueous solution of graphene by directly dispersing in a strong acid polymer and a uniform dispersion of graphene in the membrane via layer-by-layer self-assembly without any post-treatment, enabling precise control of hydrophobicity and water absorption of the membrane. The fabricated layer-by-layer coatings exhibited zwitter-wettability and self-healing performances comparable to those of previously reported systems. The maximum water droplet contact angle on the surface was 99° The 20-bilayer coating also exhibited excellent self-healing performance, closing 100 μm scratches within approximately 60 s and flattening the surface within approximately 300 s of exposure to water. In the antifogging tests, the coatings demonstrated high resistance to harsh cooling environments and exhibited excellent antifogging performance. This study provides a new zwitter-wetting strategy that combines self-healing and antifogging properties, providing an exceptional option for the development of next-generation surface coatings.

Development of seaweed-derived polysaccharide/cellulose nanocrystal-based antifogging labels loaded with alizarin for monitoring aquatic products' freshness

Intelligent freshness indicator labels have attracted great interest for their massive potential in monitoring the freshness of aquatic products over the years. However, there is still a challenge where fogging on the labels during dramatic temperature changes affects the reading of freshness. At the same time, the freshness indicator labels need high mechanical strength to resist collision damage during transportation and storage. Herein, an antifogging freshness indicator label was developed based on seaweed extracts and alizarin. Firstly, soluble polysaccharides and insoluble components were extracted from Gelidium amansii, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was further prepared from the insoluble components by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Subsequently, a polysaccharide-based film was fabricated using soluble polysaccharides as the matrix materials and CNC as the reinforcement agent. Antifogging experiments showed that the hydrophilic composite films presented good antifogging performance. After loading with alizarin, the composite indicator label exhibited both antifogging and freshness-indicating properties for the salmon sample. The work provided a new idea for developing freshness indicator labels suitable for low-temperature transportation and storage.

AlPO4 film with transparent anti-fogging function imitating cicada wings

Glass surface fogging is a common problem in life. Here we provide a simple method to prepare an anti-fogging AlPO4 array that imitating cicada wings. The size of AlPO4 array can be adjusted by the concentration of the coating solution, the environmental humidity during the drying self-assembly process and the drying time. To explain the mechanism of morphology control, a model analysis was carried out based on surface tension, marangoni convection and a low temperature drying process. It is further realized the regulation of the hierarchical structure through the introduction of self-hygroscopic materials and a multi-step drying process based on the above theoretical model. The size of the array affects its performance. Nano AlPO4 array imitating cicada wing structure has great application value in the anti-fog field because of its high transparency, low haze, super-spreadability and wear resistance. The super-spreading anti-fog performance is achieved through the synergistic effect of surface hydroxyl groups, the bionanometer nanoarray structure and the internal pore structure.

Mechanically Robust Hybrid Coatings for Antifogging, Antireflection, and Self‐Cleaning Applications

AbstractIn this work, a novel multifunctional film with durable antifogging performance and remarkable optical property is designed. By doping and hybridization to build an organic–inorganic siloxane network, the surface achieves long‐lasting wettability and superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of 0°, which is maintained within 10° for over 130 days. The low refractive index endows the hybrid film with excellent optical property, which the average transmittance (380–1100 nm) of the film is 97.60% with the peak transmittance of 99.48%. By this design, the film performs well in the felt abrasion test, water impact test, X‐cut tape test, tape‐peeling test, chemical stability test, and anti‐dust test. Due to the abundant hydroxyl radicals on the surface, the film also exhibits excellent performance, achieving 92.73% degradation of methylene blue solution (10 ppm) and 39.53% degradation of rhodamine B (10 ppm) with good reproducibility in cyclic measurements.

Multifunctional Layer-by-Layer Coating Based on a New Amphiphilic Block Copolymer via RAFT-Mediated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Process.

In this hi-tech world, the "smart coatings" have sparked significant attention among materials scientists because of their versatile applications. Various strategies have been developed to generate smart coatings in the past 2 decades. The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is the most commonly employed strategy to produce a smart coating for suitable applications. Here, we present a smart coating with healing, antifogging, and fluorescence properties fabricated by the LbL assembly of an anionic amphiphilic block copolymer latex and cationic inorganic POSS (polyhedral-oligomeric-silsesquioxane) nanoparticles. In this case, a new anionic block copolymer (BCP), {poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)-block-poly[2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate]}, (PSS-b-PAAEMA) was synthesized via surfactant-free RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization using the PISA technique. The PSS-b-PAAEMA was characterized by 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses as well as by UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. For LbL coating fabrication, an amine-modified glass was successively dipped in the anionic latex and cationic POSS solution. The transparent coating exhibited good fluorescence properties under UV light (blue color). The antifogging performance of the coating was also investigated using both cold-warm and hot-vapor techniques. Additionally, the coating surface showed a significant healing activity with a healing efficiency of >75% through ionic interaction. Thus, this finding provides a simple low volatile organic compound (VOC) water-based LbL coating with multifunctional properties that can be a potential material for versatile applications.

Efficient Anti-Fog and Anti-Reflection Functions of the Bio-Inspired, Hierarchically-Architectured Surfaces of Multiscale Columnar Structures.

Today, in the fields of optical precision instruments, medical devices, and automotive engineering, the demand for anti-reflection and anti-fog surfaces is growing rapidly. However, the anti-fog function often compromises the efficiency of the anti-reflection function. Therefore, optical precision instruments are always restricted by the inability to combine high anti-reflection efficiency and excellent anti-fog performance into one material. In addition, the synergistic mechanism of harmonizing anti-fogging and anti-reflection is currently unclear, which has a negative impact on the development and optimization of multifunctional surfaces. Herein, bio-inspired anti-fogging and anti-reflection surfaces (BFRSs) possessing multiscale hierarchical columnar structures (MHCS) were obtained using a brief and effective preparation technique, combining the biotemplating method and sol-gel method. Specifically, condensed fog droplets distributed on the BFRS can be absolutely removed within 6 s. In addition, the BFRSs endow the glass substrate with a relatively higher reflectance (17%) than flat glass surfaces (41%). Furthermore, we demonstrated the synergistic mechanism of the anti-fogging and anti-reflection functions of BFRSs. On the one hand, the high transparency benefits from the multiple refraction and scattering of light in the MHCS array. On the other hand, the excellent anti-fogging performance is attributed to the imbalance of the capillary force of the MHCS acting on the liquid film. The explanation for these two mechanisms provides more possibilities for the subsequent preparation of multifunctional surfaces. At the same time, the bionic research concept provides new solutions for the researcher to conquer the combination of high transmission and anti-fog properties for precision optical surfaces.

Facile casting preparation of hydrophilic coordinated PVA–Zn ion coatings with strong adhesion and high water tolerance

Fogging on transparent surfaces may severely influence vision. Thus, antifogging coatings are in high demand. Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc chloride were mixed to prepare hydrophilic coatings (denoted as PVA/Zn2+ coatings) on glass substrates using the casting method with contact angles <59°. The polymer-metal complex was formed by the coordination of ZnCl2 with the hydroxyl groups of PVA. The adhesion and water resistance of the coating were improved by adjusting the mole ratio of PVA to Zn2+. A 5B adhesion grade of the optimal mole ratio of PVA to Zn2+ was determined according to the standard of the American Society of Testing Materials D3359, and the lap shear strength was 2.39 ± 0.42 MPa. The coordination between OH and Zn2+ was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. UV–vis spectra show that the coating has a high optical transmittance (>90 %). In addition, the coating was applied on four common hydrophobic substrate surfaces to obtain hydrophilic surfaces. The antifogging performance of the coating indicates its potential application to many materials such as in transparent optical devices.

Robust antifogging coatings with ultra-fast self-healing performances through host-guest strategy

Given the vulnerability of conventional antifogging coatings to mechanical damage, self-healing capability can significantly restore their functionality, but are difficult to materialize quickly and effectively. Herein, we report a facile UV-curable antifogging coating, based on host–guest interaction to obtain both ultra-fast self-healing performance and robust mechanical properties. Initially, a pair of host–guest supermolecules (HGSM) consisting of acrylic β-cyclodextrin (Aβ-CD) and acrylic adamantane (AAM) are synthesized and utilized as cross-linkers. Together with hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), a robust antifogging coating with ultra-fast self-healing ability is developed via a facile UV curing process. Benefitting from the delicate balance of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic constituents, the resultant coatings display excellent antifogging performance with ∼90 % of light transmission, ranging from −20 °C to 85 °C. The unique non-covalent host–guest structure was covalently integrated into a cross-linked network, as-prepared coating and bulk gel exhibited ultra-fast self-healing capability, needing only ∼15 s to completely heal the cracks under the hot-steam environment (85 °C). And the bulk gels with host–guest recognition can significantly improve its self-healing efficiency to ∼88.3 %, significantly greater than its H-bonding counterpart (43.5 %). Notably, the prepared coating with strong adhesion properties (∼431 KPa) is robust enough to withstand 1,000 cycles of abrasion and 2 h of water immersion to maintain excellent antifogging performance. This strategy might open new avenues for accelerating the use of host–guest assembly to rapidly build effective antifogging/self-healing coatings and promote their applications in more harsh fogging conditions.

Transparent superhydrophilic composite coating with anti-fogging and self-cleaning properties

Superhydrophilic coatings have incomparable advantages in anti-fogging and self-cleaning but are limited to poor abrasion resistance and water resistance. Consequently, the research on the contradiction between hydrophilicity and water resistance, as well as abrasion resistance and visible transmittance, has become a focus of superhydrophilic coatings. Herein, we design a ceramic-polymer superhydrophilic composite coating with a high density, strong cross-linking structure, and smooth surface. Because of its static water contact angle (WCA = 3.2°) and short water spreading time (ST = 1878 ms), the transparent composite coating exhibits anti-fogging performance. Meanwhile, it exhibits anti-fogging durability even after 400 Taber abrasion cycles under a 250 g load or immersion in boiling water for 30 min. Furthermore, the result of self-cleaning characterization and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the low surface roughness endows the composite coating with excellent self-cleaning properties. The composite coating can effectively scavenge oil and dust pollution on its surface in a humid environment. Thus, the developed composite coating in this work is potential in the anti-fogging and self-cleaning fields.