Self-cleaning Multipurpose Nano-coatings

How to automatically keep windows crystal clear and buildings clean? The first is to apply on cement surface to keep it self-cleaning upon raining or water flushing; the second is to apply on the window glass surface and the cover glass on solar panel for maintaining self-cleaning and transparency and the third is to apply on mirror surface in the washroom to keep it clear during showers.

Nano-coating provides durable self-cleaning functionality on the cement wall and glass surfaces via superhydrophilic surface feature. Cleaning passively occurs since the water on the coated surface is able to spread out to form an ultrathin continuous layer to unstick/loosen any fouling debris. This novel nano-coating once applied on campus, such as curtain wall and solar panel cover glass, will lead to an extended service life and reduced expense on labour, rinse water and electricity. This greatly reduces the need for manpower and minimises human intervention.

The team will collect data and make real-time analysis that will help train and equip students with practical problem-solving skills and an innovation mindset. Such a project further inspires them to critically think about daily life problems that could be solved via materials innovation. After completing this project, students even can bring this nanocoating from campus to their living home to realize a more sustainable and smart society. In the future a detailed technology transfer plan will be proposed.