Enhancing Anti-Reflective and Photocatalytic Performance of Titanium Dioxide Coatings via Controlled Surface Porosity and Roughness for Solar Cell Applications

This study investigates the role of controlled surface roughness and porosity in enhancing the anti-reflective (AR) properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings, synthesized via the sol-gel method and deposited on glass substrates. The degree of porosity and surface roughness were systematically modulated by incorporating varying concentrations of Pluronic F127, a pore-forming agent, and through subsequent etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Comprehensive characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, were employed to analyze the surface morphology and optical performance of the coatings. The results demonstrated that increasing surface roughness, in combination with the formation of ordered porous structures, significantly improved light absorption and reduced reflection in the visible spectrum. Furthermore, the enhanced porosity and increased active surface area contributed to improved photocatalytic activity; photocatalytic tests using a model pollutant under UV irradiation revealed that coatings with higher porosity exhibited superior activity compared to less porous coatings. This feature, along with self-cleaning behavior, is crucial for photovoltaic applications and maintaining long-term coating transparency.

This study highlights the importance of precisely controlling surface roughness and porosity as key parameters for optimizing AR performance, photocatalytic efficiency, and self-cleaning properties, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of solar cells. The findings provide not only a solid scientific basis for the design of advanced coatings but also a cost-effective, reproducible, and scalable approach to improve the performance of photovoltaic systems.