Self-organized TiO2 nanorod arrays on glass substrate for self-cleaning antireflection coatings

Herein we report the direct fabrication of TiO2 subwavelength structures with 1-dimensional TiO2 nanorods on glass substrate through solvothermal process to form self-cleaning antireflection coatings. TiO2 precursor solutions with different solvent constituents create TiO2 nanorods with much different morphologies grown on glass substrates. Apiculate TiO2 nanorods with vertical orientation are grown on the glass substrate which is solvothermally treated in the precursor solution containing ethylene glycol. This glass substrate exhibit the highest transmittance of 70–85% in the range of 520–800 nm and negligible absorption in visible light region (400–800 nm). Furthermore, the TiO2 nanorod arrays show high hydrophobicity and photocatalytic degradation ability which offer the glass substrate self-cleaning properties for both hydrophilic and oily contaminants.

TiO2 nanorod arrays with different morphologies and structures were successfully synthesized on glass substrate by a facile solvothermal process.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (98 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A sample method was used to fabricate TiO2 nanorod arrays on glass substrate.
► Nanorod arrays with different morphology and structure were obtained.
► Hydrophobic and photocatalytic properties resulted in self-cleaning performance.