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

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 ...