Formation of an Anti-Contamination Layer with Polystyrene Nanobeads over Cover Glass for Solar Cells

Abstract

In this study, a colloidal solution was mixed with hydrophobic polymer nanobeads and TEOS (tetra-ethylorthersilicate) for the preparation of an anti-contamination compound, the anti-contaminative properties of which were investigated for its application as an anti-fouling agent for cover glasses used for solar cells. Polystyrene spherical beads of approximately 250 nm were used as the hydrophobic polymer, and were synthesized by the suspension synthesis method. TEOS was used in order to enhance the stability of polymer nanobeads coated over the surface of a cover glass, due to the formation of SiO₂ layer. The ratio of TEOS/PS was controlled to 0/50, 1.2/50, 2.4/50 and 5/50, and the water contact angle on the coated surface of the cover glasses was measured after thermal treatment at 400, 500 and 600°C (Ed note: you mention other temperatures, including 650°C, within the text). The contact angle of glass treated with a TEOS/PS ratio of 1.2/50 at 600°C was approximately 100°, which was about 2.5 times that of the non-coated cover glass, and its transmittance was analyzed and determined to be the same as that of the non-coated cover glass, using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Keywords:

• Anti-contaminant
• cover glass for solar cells
• polystyrene nanobeads
• water contact angle

Funding

This work was supported by the 2012 Yeungnam University Research Grant and the Human Resources Development Program of Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), grant (No 20104010100580), funded by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy.