TY - JOUR

T1 - Superhydrophilic Titania Coatings on Glass Substrates via the Hydrosol Approach

AU - Theodorakopoulos, George V.

AU - Arfanis, Michalis

AU - Mouti, Nafsika-Maria

AU - Kaidatzis, Andreas

AU - Mitterer, Christian

AU - Giannakopoulos, Konstantinos

AU - Falaras, Polycarpos

PY - 2025/1/6

Y1 - 2025/1/6

N2 - This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, focusing on the development of superhydrophilic, self-cleaning titania coatings using the hydrosol approach. Stringent cleaning protocols were accurately followed to ensure the pristine condition of glass surfaces prior to deposition. Various organic precursor solutions were precisely prepared and applied to the glass substrate via dip-coating, followed by subsequent thermal treatment. A range of characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, scanning and atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, were employed to assess the properties of the coatings. The results revealed that the samples were influenced by precursor concentration and withdrawal rate, with slow speed leading to minimal alteration of transmittance. The coatings show superhydrophilic properties, as evidenced by contact angle values below 3 degrees for the thinnest films. Their thickness is approximately 13 nm with very low roughness, indicative of a smooth and uniform surface. Optimization of the deposition conditions permits the fabrication of uniform and transparent TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, offering promising opportunities for the practical use of photoinduced self-cleaning surfaces in real-life applications. Finally, a cost analysis of scaling up the coating and mirror fabrication processes confirmed the economic feasibility of this approach for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications.

AB - This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, focusing on the development of superhydrophilic, self-cleaning titania coatings using the hydrosol approach. Stringent cleaning protocols were accurately followed to ensure the pristine condition of glass surfaces prior to deposition. Various organic precursor solutions were precisely prepared and applied to the glass substrate via dip-coating, followed by subsequent thermal treatment. A range of characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, scanning and atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, were employed to assess the properties of the coatings. The results revealed that the samples were influenced by precursor concentration and withdrawal rate, with slow speed leading to minimal alteration of transmittance. The coatings show superhydrophilic properties, as evidenced by contact angle values below 3 degrees for the thinnest films. Their thickness is approximately 13 nm with very low roughness, indicative of a smooth and uniform surface. Optimization of the deposition conditions permits the fabrication of uniform and transparent TiO2 coatings on glass substrates, offering promising opportunities for the practical use of photoinduced self-cleaning surfaces in real-life applications. Finally, a cost analysis of scaling up the coating and mirror fabrication processes confirmed the economic feasibility of this approach for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications.

U2 - 10.3390/surfaces8010005

DO - 10.3390/surfaces8010005

M3 - Article

VL - 8.2025

JO - Surfaces

JF - Surfaces

SN - 0000-0000

IS - 1

ER -