Hydrophobic Self-Cleaning Coatings for Solar Panels

A method for making hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings on substrates like glass that provides superior water and oil repellency compared to existing methods. The coatings are made by alternating reaction cycles of two reactants, like isocyanate and diol, on the substrate surface. This molecular layer deposition (MLD) process builds up a stack of bonded reactant layers with alternating chemistries. After several cycles, the coated substrate is capped with a hydrophobic terminal group. This MLD technique enables controlled deposition of hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings with desirable properties like low water contact angles, high oleophobicity, and optical clarity.

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Water-repellent porous films and materials made of nanomaterials that have high light transmittance and water repellency. The films and materials are made by cross-linking nanoparticles using a silane compound to form a 3D structure. The silane compound is adsorbed onto the nanoparticle surfaces before cross-linking. This provides a porous structure with interconnected nanoparticles that has both water repellency and high light transmission. The cross-linking prevents particle agglomeration and improves stability. The silane coating enhances water repellency by reducing surface tension. The method involves dispersing nanoparticles, coating them with silane, cross-linking, and drying.

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Stable waterborne superhydrophobic coatings for durable water repellency on surfaces. The coatings are made from dispersions of colloidal silica or hydrophobically modified silica, along with additional agents like surfactants, thickeners, and stabilizers. The compositions provide superhydrophobic treatments on substrates when applied. The dispersions are stable due to the added agents that aid dispersion, prevent settling, and improve coating properties. The coatings impart durable superhydrophobicity to surfaces like lotus leaves, repelling water and forming spherical droplets.

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A method for creating a high-efficiency, anti-reflective, and self-cleaning solar cell coating that achieves superior performance compared to conventional materials. The coating is prepared through a novel modification of silica sol that enables enhanced hydrophobicity and anti-reflective properties without the need for aging processes. The modified sol is formulated by combining perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane with n-hexane, which selectively enhances the silica sol's surface properties. The resulting coating exhibits exceptional light transmission in the 300-900 nm range, reaching 99.4% transmittance at 580 nm. This coating can be applied to photovoltaic panels to significantly improve their visible light absorption rate and photoelectric conversion efficiency, while also preventing dirt and dust accumulation.

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Superhydrophobic self-cleaning photovoltaic glass with enhanced durability and performance. The glass incorporates a titanium dioxide layer and a perfluorosilane layer, where the perfluorosilane layer is specifically selected from a range of perfluorinated silanes. The titanium dioxide layer enhances light absorption while the perfluorosilane layer prevents water droplets and dust from penetrating the surface, while maintaining electrical conductivity. This combination provides superior self-cleaning properties, reduced maintenance costs, and improved photovoltaic performance.

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A room temperature curing ceramic hydrophobic anti-ash and anti-reflective film coating for solar cells that eliminates the need for high-temperature sintering. The coating, comprising a silica sol containing metal oxides, undergoes natural drying at room temperature to form a dense film with ultra-smooth particle accumulation. This process enables the production of a thin film with hydrophobic and dust-proof properties, while maintaining the film's mechanical integrity and surface energy. The coating is suitable for transparent conductive TCO glass and flexible plastic films, enabling the enhancement of solar cell efficiency through natural drying.

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A self-cleaning film for photovoltaic modules that enhances durability and environmental performance. The film comprises a hydrophobic base layer with a modified perlite surface treated through annealing, incorporating acrylic resin as the primary polymer component. The treatment process improves hydrophobicity while maintaining mechanical strength, enabling long-term performance in harsh outdoor environments. The film's thickness can range from 0.01 to 1.0 mm, with applications for both standard and high-efficiency solar panels.

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A multifunctional self-cleaning nanocoating for solar cells and window surfaces that combines anti-reflective, hydrophobic, and electrostatic properties. The coating features a hydrophobic top layer that repels water and dust, a photocatalytic layer that protects against organic pollutants, and a nanoscale structure that enhances light transmission and reflection control. The coating achieves self-cleaning through a surface modification process that creates a hydrophobic surface through nano-roughness, while maintaining mechanical stability through micro-roughness. This multifunctional coating enables optimized performance across multiple functional requirements without compromising the coating's overall performance.

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Fluorine-containing acrylate polymer and an organic/inorganic hybrid self-cleaning anti-reflective coating, and preparation method of the same, for reducing light reflection and achieving self-cleaning properties on solar panels. The coating comprises a fluorine-containing acrylate polymer and an organic/inorganic hybrid self-cleaning anti-reflective coating, where the fluorine-containing acrylate polymer provides hydrophobicity and chemical resistance, while the organic/inorganic hybrid coating incorporates modified nano-silica particles with fluorine-containing groups for enhanced self-cleaning properties and weather resistance.

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Long-lasting self-cleaning transparent backsheet for solar modules that prevents dust and debris accumulation on the surface over time. The backsheet has a multi-layer coating structure with a self-cleaning outer layer. The self-cleaning coating contains a disulfide bond-modified filler like Al2O3 and cetyl polysiloxane-modified SiO2. This filler mix provides a rough micro-nano surface structure that repels dust and debris. The disulfide bonds allow the filler to heal and reform connections if damaged, maintaining the self-cleaning properties. The backsheet also has weather-resistant and adhesive coatings beneath the self-cleaning layer.

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A superhydrophobic coating that combines high reflectivity with self-cleaning and frost resistance properties. The coating achieves superior performance through a novel preparation method involving a combination of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, heavy calcium carbonate microparticles, and vulcanized silicone rubber. The surface is modified through a process of spraying, where the titanium dioxide enhances the coating's optical reflectivity, while the calcium carbonate provides mechanical stability and the silicone rubber ensures chemical resistance. The coating demonstrates exceptional wear resistance, self-cleaning capabilities under natural rainfall, and frost resistance in cold environments, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

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A double-layer radiation refrigeration hydrophobic coating material and its preparation method enables efficient, stable, and large-scale production of a coating that combines the benefits of radiation cooling with self-cleaning properties. The coating comprises a radiation primer made from titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polymer, and a reflective topcoat comprising hydrophobically modified TiO2 particles. The hydrophobically modified TiO2 particles are prepared through a process that involves silane modification of TiO2 particles. The coating is prepared through spraying, dipping, or roller coating of the primer onto a substrate, followed by the deposition of the hydrophobically modified TiO2 topcoat. This coating provides both radiation cooling and self-cleaning capabilities, making it suitable for applications in building energy-saving systems, solar photovoltaic systems, and other fields where energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are critical.

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A coating material for photovoltaic solar panels that combines anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties through a novel nanocomposite system. The coating comprises a matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles as base components. This nanocomposite system enables the coating material to exhibit both hydrophobic and photocatalytic properties, while maintaining compatibility with glass substrates. The coating achieves its self-cleaning effect through the hydrophobic interaction between the coating material and water droplets, while preventing direct sunlight reflection. This innovative coating material enables enhanced solar energy conversion while maintaining environmental sustainability.

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A self-cleaning coating for solar cells that combines a hydrophobic surface layer with a durable, durable hydrophobic coating. The coating comprises a silicone resin diluent, epoxy resin diluent, and hydrophobic fumed silica dispersion suspension. The silicone resin diluent is prepared by dissolving silicone resin and curing agent in a first organic solvent. The epoxy resin diluent is prepared by dissolving epoxy resin and curing agent in a second organic solvent. The hydrophobic fumed silica dispersion suspension is prepared by dispersing hydrophobic fumed silica in a third organic solvent. The coating is applied to solar cell encapsulation glass, followed by a controlled drying process that creates a hydrophobic surface layer. The coating exhibits exceptional self-cleaning properties, maintaining high light transmission and hydrophobicity even after exposure to environmental contaminants.

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A new hydrophobic transparent coating for glass surfaces that combines durability and transparency. The coating is created through a single-step sol-gel synthesis process at room temperature using a combination of silicon dioxide precursors and organic solvents. The formulation enables the production of a hydrophobic and transparent coating that can be applied to glass surfaces through various coating methods, including bar coating, dip coating, wipe coating, and slot-die coating. The coating exhibits excellent durability and optical transparency while maintaining hydrophobic properties, making it suitable for applications requiring both cleaning resistance and optical clarity, particularly in photovoltaic and building industries.

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A self-cleaning solar panel with enhanced durability and performance through a novel surface coating that combines superhydrophobicity with photocatalytic properties. The coating comprises micron-sized glass microspheres containing titanium, which provide both hydrophobic and photocatalytic functions. The coating is applied to the solar panel surface and undergoes heat treatment and curing to achieve the desired properties. The titanium-containing glass microspheres replace the conventional superhydrophobic coating, while maintaining the photocatalytic activity that enables self-cleaning. The coating's performance is evaluated through standardized tests, including dust and oil resistance, stain resistance, and color change measurements.

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A super-hydrophobic coating that achieves self-cleaning, anti-fog, and corrosion resistance through a novel combination of silane-modified polymer and micro-nano particle structures. The coating consists of a silane-modified polymer matrix, micro-nano particles with particle sizes between 1-100 nm, and a specialized auxiliary agent. The silane-modified polymer provides hydrophobic properties, while the micro-nano particles enhance surface roughness and create a hydrophobic-anti-fog interface. The coating can be applied through various methods, including spin coating, dip coating, and spraying, and exhibits superior performance compared to conventional fluorine-based coatings.

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A transparent, long-lasting, easy-to-clean, flame-retardant, and antifouling coating for photovoltaic panels that provides enhanced light transmission, hydrophobicity, and durability. The coating comprises a fluorine-containing silicon resin with a controlled ratio of resin to photoinitiator, combined with a photocurable coating mother liquor. The resin provides excellent light transmission properties while the photoinitiator enhances curing efficiency. The coating is formulated to maintain its hydrophobic surface properties and adhere to the photovoltaic substrate even under prolonged cleaning and environmental exposure.

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Wear-resistant super-hydrophobic photovoltaic glass with enhanced light transmission and mechanical durability through a novel nanostructured surface preparation method. The preparation process involves a controlled acid-catalyzed SiO2 sol preparation, followed by a specific nano-SiO2 sol preparation with a base-catalyzed nano-SiO2 sol. The resulting nanostructured surface exhibits superior wear resistance and hydrophobicity compared to conventional super-hydrophobic coatings, while maintaining high light transmission and mechanical stability. The preparation method enables the creation of wear-resistant super-hydrophobic photovoltaic glass with enhanced self-cleaning properties.

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Solar glass anti-reflective coating with self-cleaning functionality that combines high light transmission with enhanced cleaning performance. The coating comprises a self-cleaning high-reflection solar glass that incorporates a novel nanostructured surface with integrated photocatalytic properties. The coating's surface features nanostructured titanium dioxide particles that can be activated by light to facilitate self-cleaning through photocatalytic reactions. This dual-function coating achieves superior cleaning efficiency while maintaining high light transmission, making it particularly suitable for applications with heavy industrial pollution.

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A method for creating hydrophobic surfaces on substrates through the application of uniform, nanoscale surface roughness. The process involves depositing a polymer layer onto a substrate, then applying a uniform dispersion of hydrophobic particles or superhydrophobic particles to the polymer layer. The particles are either partially embedded or fixedly dispersed, forming a uniform outer layer with hydrophobic properties. The resulting surface exhibits superior wetting resistance and prevents ice accumulation, while also enabling efficient energy generation for solar panels and other applications.

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A photovoltaic module with enhanced snow management capabilities through a hydrophobic coating that prevents ice formation while maintaining solar efficiency. The coating, comprising a long-chain alkyl group derived from silane chemistry, forms a thin layer on the module surface with exceptional hydrophobic properties. This coating layer prevents snow from forming on the module surface, while the underlying photovoltaic cells continue to generate electricity. The coating can be prepared through a condensation reaction between the alkyl group and tetraethyl silicate, resulting in a uniform thickness of 1-5 μm.

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A method for preparing a photovoltaic glass coating with enhanced light transmission and anti-fouling properties. The coating comprises a fluorine-containing resin powder applied to a photovoltaic glass surface, followed by a controlled hydrothermal treatment to create uniform micropores. This process enables the formation of an anti-reflection layer with improved light transmission characteristics, while simultaneously introducing a durable and hydrophobic antifouling coating that prevents water and stains from damaging the glass surface.

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A self-cleaning solar panel system that prevents dust accumulation through advanced surface treatment. The system comprises a substrate with a self-cleaning surface treatment that prevents dust accumulation while maintaining photovoltaic efficiency. The treatment is integrated into the panel's manufacturing process, ensuring consistent performance across panels.

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Coating for solar panels that prevents dirt accumulation and enhances durability through a novel combination of hydrophobic and abrasive properties. The coating comprises a combination of titanium dioxide and titanium particles, which form a super-hard film through ion-aided hard coating techniques. This unique film provides superior hydrophobicity and abrasion resistance, enabling long-term maintenance-free operation of solar panels.

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A method for preparing fluorine-containing self-cleaning coatings on field solar panels through a novel surface treatment process. The method involves applying a fluorine-containing polymer emulsion to the solar panel surface, followed by immediate stratification of the emulsion into a water layer and a polyethyl silicate layer. This dual-layer structure enables the formation of a fluorine-containing self-cleaning coating at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods, which typically require higher curing temperatures. The coating is then cured under controlled heating or light conditions to achieve the desired properties.

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A solar photovoltaic panel with self-cleaning functionality that enables continuous energy production through advanced surface treatment. The panel incorporates a self-cleaning coating that prevents dust accumulation while maintaining optimal panel efficiency. This coating is achieved through a proprietary combination of nanotechnology and surface modification techniques that enhance the panel's durability and cleaning performance. The coating enables continuous energy production through natural environmental processes, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing maintenance costs. The coating also enhances the panel's structural integrity and durability, while the surface treatment ensures optimal energy conversion.

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A solar module coating that simultaneously enhances self-cleaning and anti-reflective properties through a novel composition. The coating, comprising a base of γ-ureidopropyl-trimethoxysilane, γ-glycidylpropyl-methyl-diethoxysilane, and γ-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane, exhibits superior dust-repelling capabilities compared to conventional anti-reflective coatings. The composition achieves this through a synergistic combination of the silane-based surface treatment and nano-silica particles, which work together to prevent dust accumulation while maintaining optimal light transmission. The coating can be applied directly to photovoltaic modules without the need for complex curing processes, enabling efficient and practical integration into commercial solar panel production lines.

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Preparing a wide-spectrum anti-reflection superhydrophobic photovoltaic glass through a novel surface modification process. The method involves creating a nanostructured film on the glass surface using a combination of alumina sol and fluorine-modified nano-silica sol. The resulting film exhibits superior anti-reflective properties across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, while maintaining high optical transparency. This approach enables photovoltaic glass with enhanced optical performance while maintaining durability and hydrophobicity.

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Solar panel with nanoscale self-cleaning coating that enhances photovoltaic efficiency through reduced reflection and improved surface protection. The coating features a nanoscale layer applied to the front glass surface of the solar panel, where it forms a protective barrier against environmental factors like dust, moisture, and pollutants. This nanoscale layer also enables self-cleaning properties through its unique surface characteristics, allowing water and debris to be absorbed and reorganized rather than accumulating on the surface. The nanoscale coating prevents light reflection while maintaining optimal solar energy conversion, reducing maintenance requirements and environmental impact compared to traditional cleaning methods.

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A surface coating that reduces fouling of transparent or reflective surfaces like photovoltaic modules, solar thermal mirrors, and architectural glass through a nanoporous layer that simultaneously enhances hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The coating, comprising a hydrophobic surface and hydrophilic interior, prevents dust and dirt adhesion through capillary forces while maintaining optical transparency. This dual-hydrophobic-hydrophilic coating enables effective fouling reduction even in extreme desert environments, particularly in photovoltaic applications where water is scarce.

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Hydrophobic and oleophobic self-cleaning paint for solar panels that improves energy storage efficiency through controlled dust and oil removal. The paint comprises fluorine-containing vinyl monomers, nanoparticles, and an inducer system that enables the coating to self-clean while maintaining its hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. This coating can be applied to solar panels through a simple preparation process, reducing manual cleaning costs and improving maintenance efficiency compared to conventional coatings. The self-cleaning mechanism is achieved through the synergistic action of fluorine-containing monomers and nanoparticles, which interact with dust and oil particles to prevent their accumulation on the surface.

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Flexible solar cell front plate with enhanced self-cleaning properties for thin-film solar panels. The plate features a micro-protrusion structure comprising uniformly arranged cylindrical or polyhedral protrusions that provide a textured surface for water droplets to roll off, preventing damage to the solar panel. The plate integrates with the solar cell assembly, comprising a battery front plate, core component, and back plate, while maintaining structural integrity through the protrusions. This innovative design addresses the self-cleaning challenge typically associated with flexible solar panels, enabling durable operation in harsh environments.

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A paintable hydrophobic coating that forms a hydrophobic coating when applied to surfaces and substrates. The coating is comprised of a surface morphology that provides the coatings with a selected surface energy, including below 20 mJ/m2, and a water roll-off angle below 8 degrees. The coating can be applied through brush painting, roller painting, spray painting, or dip coating, and it provides enhanced antifouling and self-healing properties. The coating can be reinforced with a porous material to enhance durability.

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A self-cleaning photovoltaic glass coating that combines antireflection and photocatalytic properties through a novel dual-layer architecture. The coating comprises a glass substrate with an antireflection layer on one side and a self-cleaning layer on the other. The antireflection layer enhances light transmission while the self-cleaning layer enables self-cleaning through photocatalytic degradation of airborne contaminants, eliminating dust and pollutants. This integrated approach enables the creation of ultra-efficient photovoltaic glass for solar energy applications.

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Self-cleaning solar panels that automatically remove organic matter from their surface through a novel hydrophobic coating. The coating utilizes a unique blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers to create a self-cleaning mechanism that repels water and contaminants while maintaining optimal solar performance. This technology enables solar panels to maintain their efficiency even after exposure to environmental conditions, reducing maintenance requirements and extending their lifespan.

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A surface-modified coating film for photovoltaic power generation modules that prevents potential degradation through high-temperature operation. The film, comprising a fluorinated resin, selectively enhances water repellency while suppressing the formation of microdroplets that can lead to degradation. The film is applied to the module surface and cured through radiation or thermal processing. This coating protects the photovoltaic cells from environmental factors like water and humidity, maintaining their performance over extended periods of operation at high temperatures.

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A self-cleaning antireflective coating for solar collectors and photovoltaic panels that achieves reduced reflectance through a novel combination of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic properties. The coating comprises a precursor solution containing silane-based reagents, acid, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which forms a gel upon drying. The gel is then selectively deposited onto the collector surface using a controlled pulling process, resulting in a durable, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coating with enhanced self-cleaning properties.

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Solar cell module with self-cleaning surface glass featuring an inorganic coating film. The coating film is applied to tempered glass surfaces of the solar cell module and is characterized by a composition of alkali metal silicate, dispersant, defoaming agent, and water (H) in a specific ratio. The coating solution is heat-treated to enhance its durability and cleaning properties. This coating film enables continuous self-cleaning of the tempered glass surface while maintaining the solar cell's efficiency.

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A process for a self-cleaning solar backplane that prevents photovoltaic module degradation through advanced surface treatments. The process employs a combination of hydrophobic coatings and nanoscale surface modifications to create a durable, water-repellent, and UV-resistant surface that maintains optimal light transmission while protecting against environmental factors. The coatings and surface treatments enhance the solar backplane's self-cleaning capabilities, ensuring long-term performance of photovoltaic modules while maintaining their efficiency.

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A photovoltaic module with self-cleaning functionality that maintains power output over its lifespan. The module incorporates a surface treatment that prevents dust and debris from accumulating on the photovoltaic cells, while also ensuring water droplets can be efficiently dispersed. This dual-function coating eliminates the need for manual cleaning, reducing labor costs and environmental impact. The treatment maintains its performance even under extreme environmental conditions, including temperature variations and weather changes, through its thermal stability.

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A self-cleaning solar backsheet with enhanced light conversion efficiency, durability, and environmental protection. The backsheet features a PET substrate with a weather-resistant adhesive layer, a titanium dioxide (TiO2) self-cleaning layer on the upper surface, and a weather-resistant adhesive layer at the other end. The TiO2 coating undergoes controlled degradation through controlled atmospheric exposure, enabling self-cleaning properties while maintaining light transmission. This innovative design addresses conventional backsheet limitations in terms of environmental durability and light efficiency.

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A solar panel backsheet with enhanced cleaning durability through a hydrophobic fluororesin coating. The backsheet features a PET substrate with a weather-resistant adhesive layer, a fluororesin coating with a super-hydrophobic nano-silica layer, and a hydrophobic layer that forms a stepped structure along the fluororesin coating. This multi-layered design creates an extremely hydrophobic surface that prevents water, air, and dust from penetrating the panel, significantly reducing cleaning requirements.

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Solar cell module with an integrated antifouling layer that enhances durability and efficiency through a single-step application process. The module features a transparent substrate with a trivalent fluorine-containing silane-based antifouling layer that prevents dust accumulation and limescale formation on the front panel. The antifouling layer is applied through a single coating process, eliminating the need for multiple steps and materials. This integrated solution addresses both dust accumulation and hot spot issues in solar cell modules, enabling higher power conversion efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.

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A self-cleaning solar glass coating that combines enhanced antireflection properties with improved water management capabilities through synergistic doping of zinc into silicon dioxide (SiO2) layers. The coating employs a sol-gel preparation method to create a SiO2 layer on the glass surface, followed by a subsequent coating of a TiO2-doped zinc layer. The TiO2-doped zinc layer is created through a sol-gel process, where zinc ions are incorporated into the SiO2 layer, forming a photocatalytic active material. The resulting coating exhibits superior water management properties, enabling effective cleaning of water droplets on the glass surface.

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Self-cleaning solar cell anti-reflection film that enhances solar panel efficiency through photocatalytic and hydrophobic properties. The film comprises a base material of transparent tempered glass, with three layers: a silicon dioxide layer, a titanium dioxide layer, and a silicon dioxide layer. The silicon dioxide layer serves as the primary anti-reflective coating, while the titanium dioxide layer enhances photocatalytic activity. The hydrophobic silica layer prevents water and contaminants from adhering to the surface, enabling long-term outdoor performance while maintaining high solar efficiency.

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A self-cleaning coating for photovoltaic solar panels that eliminates the need for traditional antireflection coatings. The coating, comprising a transparent top surface with a low reflection coefficient, prevents light scattering while maintaining transparency. This enables high-efficiency solar panels that can operate without the need for antireflection coatings, reducing maintenance costs and improving overall system performance.

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Transparent thin-film solar cells with an innovative nano-structured waterproof coating that prevents dust accumulation and degradation. The coating features a wavy nano-structure that creates a hydrophobic barrier against environmental contaminants, while maintaining excellent optical performance. This breakthrough enables the creation of dust-resistant solar panels for industrial and commercial applications.

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A nanotechnology coating for photovoltaic panels that enables self-cleaning functionality through a surface treatment. The coating employs a nanomaterial that selectively binds to dust particles and debris, preventing their accumulation on the panel surface. This nanomaterial, when applied through a spray system, forms a protective layer that maintains the panel's optical efficiency while effectively cleaning it through natural processes.

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Coatings for transparent substrates like glass that combine anti-reflective, abrasion-resistant, and self-cleaning properties. The coatings are formed through a sol-gel process using silane precursors that undergo acid hydrolysis to form a stable, chemically inert film. The film exhibits superior performance over conventional anti-reflective coatings, including enhanced optical transparency, mechanical stability, and resistance to environmental degradation. The coatings are particularly suitable for solar panels and glass applications where durability and optical performance are critical.

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