Two-step manufacturing process does not require high vacuum or other costly production equipment
These nanoparticle-infused anti-glare coatings will enable the development of more efficient solar cells using a simplified two-step manufacturing process that achieves improved optical absorption. The new coatings are less expensive, easier to manufacture, and cover a wider range of wavelengths and incident angles than traditional quarter-wavelength anti-reflection coatings now on the market. Their production allows for uniform application on both sides of the substrate (for increased efficiency) and does not require costly, sophisticated equipment, such as high vacuum. The photovoltaic market is growing quickly with an expected global size of $155 billion by 2018.
Application
Nanoparticle-infused anti-glare coatings, which are inexpensive to manufacture and allow for the development of more efficient photovoltaics (solar cells)
Advantages
- Covers a wider range of wavelengths and incident angles, increasing efficiency
- Produced in two simple steps without high vacuum, lowering manufacturing costs
- Enables uniform, double-sided application, offering a competitive advantage
- Can be applied to geometrically complex substrates, such as curved surfaces, maximizing versatility
- Compatible with scalable manufacturing techniques, ensuring supply can keep pace with growing demand
Technology
These anti-glare coatings are manufactured in just two simple steps. First, a surface modification technology is applied to create a positive charge on the desired substrates, such as glass or silicon. The surface-modified substrates can then be immersed in a water solution containing negatively charged 100 nm silica nanoparticles. The electrostatic interactions between the positive substrate surfaces and the negative silica nanoparticles results in the rapid self-assembly of monolayer particles on the substrates, resulting in reduced glare.
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