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Antireflective (AR) coatings are widely used in the various applications of optical devices, flat panel displays, automotive windshields, and solar cell cover glasses. Usually, coatings with high transmittance and self-cleaning capability enhance solar cell efficiency. In this work, SnO2 thin film with TEOS, ITES, and MTES by spin coating was deposited on glass substrates and analyzed. The prepared films was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, and Water contact angle measurements (WCA). The prepared SnO2/TEOS/ITES and SnO2/TEOS/MTES films showed good optical transmittance of 92.46% and 92.56% with WCA of 9° and 92° respectively. The transmittance of the antireflective films was increased by 2% than the bare glass substrate. Also, the antifogging behavior of SnO2/TEOS/ITES film was examined. Furthermore, the self-cleaning ability of the coatings helps to maintain the efficiency of the solar cell even during dust exposure. Thus, the antireflection coating can be applied to enhance the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic self‐cleaning surfaces exhibit low surface energy. The low surface interaction allows the water droplets to roll off easily. In this work, transparent hydrophobic coating was fabricated using precursors Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Isobutyltriethoxysilane (iTES), and Pluronic F127 (PF‐127), as pore generator. PDMS/PF‐127 and iTES/PF‐127 composite films were fabricated by acid catalyzed sol gel technique. UV‐visible spectroscopy analysis revealed enhancement of optical transparency by 3% for PDMS/PF‐127 than iTES/PF‐127 composite surface. Transparency of PDMS/PF‐127 was maintained throughout visible region proving film stability. Porous nature was confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. Water contact angle of 107° for PDMS/PF‐127 and 103° for iTES/PF‐127 was obtained. 3D laser profilometery analysis revealed PDMS/PF‐127 coated surface was rougher than iTES/PF‐127 composite film. Sand particles sprinkled on coated surface buckled upon contact with water, exhibiting self‐cleaning ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]