Graded porous glasses for antireflective applications formed by chemical treatment

► Antireflective structures were prepared on borosilicate glass using aqueous solutions ► We analyze the morphology, composition and optical property of glasses before and after etching. ► Etching effects depend on glass composition, solution concentration and etching time. ► The transmittance of glass substrate can be improved after chemical treatment, and the laser-induced damage threshold of graded porous glass is much higher than that of antireflective coatings. ► The SEM and EDS results revealed a significant corrosion process in the solution.