Hydrophilic layers from the roll

Links: Initial state (hydrophobic, water droplet contact angle approx. 95°), right: after 30 minutes of UV light irradiation (superhydrophilic, contact angle <5°) © Fraunhofer FEP

The Fraunhofer FEP has developed a scalable process within the EU project New Skin to equip ultra-thin glass with a hydrophobic titanium dioxide coating using roll-to-roll technology. This coating becomes superhydrophilic under UV light and prevents the buildup of dirt, for example on glass facades or solar panels. The surface remains clean through the cyclic switching from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic and can wash away dirt with raindrops. UV-activated TiO2 also decomposes organic molecules on the surface, resulting in antibacterial and sterile surfaces. The developed process for ultra-thin glass is highly efficient, and the ultra-thin and lightweight glass can be applied later to facades or directly integrated as a composite material into solar modules — even on curved surfaces.