Chemical design and characterization of fluoropolymer-silica nanocomposite superhydrophobic coating for durable and self-cleaning photovoltaic cells

Abstract

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) solar panels significantly reduces the efficiency of energy conversion. Thus, innovative surface modifications are needed to mitigate soiling and enhance durability. This study presents the development of a robust polymer-based superhydrophobic coating designed to minimize dust adhesion while maintaining PV performance. The coating formulation integrates polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a hydrophobic matrix with superhydrophobic silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) to achieve optimal surface properties. The optimized composition, consisting of 2 wt% PVDF and 35 wt% SiO₂, exhibited a high-water contact angle of 155.8°, confirming its superior hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses revealed a rough hierarchical structure, which is a key factor in achieving superhydrophobicity. Mechanical durability was validated through peel tests, demonstrating strong adhesion and long-term stability. PV performance analysis of silicon solar cells coated with the developed material showed no reduction in power output, confirming its compatibility with solar energy applications. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed superhydrophobic coating to enhance the efficiency and longevity of PV panels in real-world conditions, addressing critical challenges in solar energy deployment.