Inkjet printing of metal oxide coatings for enhanced photovoltaic soiling environmental applications

Fares, E.; Aissa, B.; Isaifan, R.J.

doi:10.22034/GJESM.2022.04.03

Document Type : ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Authors

¹ Division of Sustainable Development, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar

² Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar

³ Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar

https://doi.org/10.22034/GJESM.2022.04.03

Abstract

Background and objectives: Global energy needs have gradually shifted toward photovoltaic solar energy, especially in the Gulf region because of the high solar-irradiance potential. However, one of the main challenges for this technology in the region is soiling, which has been reported to degrade the power output of photovoltaic modules significantly. Anti-soiling coatings are promising technologies to minimize the effect of dust on photovoltaic solar panels. Accordingly, this study aimed to synthesize aluminum, zinc, titanium, and tin oxides using mixed-based and nanoparticle-based precursors through inkjet printing techniques and investigate their potential in anti-soiling applications for PV panels.
Methods: Four metal oxides, namely, aluminum, zinc, titanium, and tin oxides, were synthesized and deposited using the inkjet printing technique for anti-soiling application. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements were performed to characterize these thin films.
Finding: The optical transmittance of the substrate using the nanoparticle ink revealed better optical properties than that using the mixed-based ink. Compared with nanoparticle samples, a homogeneous crack and a defect-free layer were observed with dense nanoparticles in all mixed inks (except for aluminum oxide ink). The contact angles indicated that the synthesized films were super-hydrophilic/hydrophilic coatings. The results of the outdoor testing revealed that up to 60% less dust was deposited on the best-performing film (aluminum oxide mixed-based ink) compared with bare glass.
Conclusion: The outdoor experiment revealed that mixed-based thin films were better in reducing dust deposition than nanoparticle-based thin films and bare glass. This enhancement might be due to the decreased antireflection property along with a morphological contribution related to the presence of nanoparticle voids, which reduce the spectra scattering and minimize its deterioration, thus demonstrating better anti-soiling properties. The results of the outdoor test revealed that aluminum, zinc, and titanium oxides are promising materials for anti-soiling coating applications for both ink types. However, tin oxide coatings are not recommended for anti-soiling applications, as they showed the highest dust deposition rate near the bare glass performance.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

TiO₂, Al₂O₃, ZnO, and SnO₂ metal oxide films were synthesized via inkjet printing and were tested for anti-soiling environmental applications;
Mixed-based inks have enhanced optical properties, and when tested outdoor, approximately 60% less dust accumulation on the Al₂O₃ mixed-based ink film was observed compared with bare glass;
This enhanced performance might be due to a lower reflection triggered by the nanoparticle voids, which reduces the spectra scattering and, accordingly, boost the optical transmittance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Environmental Engineering

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Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management

Inkjet printing of metal oxide coatings for enhanced photovoltaic soiling environmental applications

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Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 32
October 2022
Pages 485-502

Inkjet printing of metal oxide coatings for enhanced photovoltaic soiling environmental applications

References

References

Letters to Editor

Send comment about this article

Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 32October 2022Pages 485-502

Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 32
October 2022
Pages 485-502