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Transparent omniphobic polyurethane coating enables self-cleaning for PV modules
A fluorine-free polyurethane coating with dynamic omniphobicity has been developed to maintain the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The novel formulation is highly transparent, durable, and self-cleaning.
Contamination on PV modules reduces energy output and requires regular cleaning. A new polyurethane-based coating (LLPuC) composed of PDMS-grafted hydroxyacrylate and polyisocyanate offers a transparent, self-cleaning solution. The coating achieves 91.79 % optical transmittance at 550 nm and shows low water and oil sliding angles (WSA: 11.5°, OSA ≤ 15°).
Application via spray or blade coating is simple and cost-effective. The coated modules recovered 92.83 % of their original efficiency after self-cleaning, demonstrating practical outdoor performance.
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Mechanical strength and environmental stability
In addition to its omniphobic surface, the LLPuC formulation features good adhesion, abrasion resistance, and environmental durability, making it suitable for transparent outdoor applications beyond PV.
Source: Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 207, October 2025, 109394.
