Single layer hollow MgF2 nanoparticles as high-performance omnidirectional broadband antireflective coating for solar application

Reflection is the most disconcerting phenomenon for solar cover glass, and Omnidirectional Broadband Antireflective coating (OBAR) enhances the transmission of the solar cover glass and power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cell. In this connection, a facile synthesis route is adapted to develop hollow MgF2 nanoparticles using Magnesium carbonate as a precursor for the first time. Small Angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) quantifies the spatial dimensions of the nanosized substructure, and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) utilized to investigate the morphological information of MgF2 hollow nanoparticles. The deposition of MgF2 hollow nanoparticles on the solar cover glass results in OBAR coating and exhibits enhancement of 5.8–31.7% by varying angle of incidence ranging from 10 to 80o in the wavelength range of 400–1100 nm is a breakthrough of its kind. Moreover, the average transmittance results to be 97.88% in spectral range (400–1100 nm) and 99.2% in the visible spectrum at normal incidence. Further, OBAR coated glass encapsulated polycrystalline Si solar cell has shown >10% net increment in the efficiency compared to that of uncoated glass encapsulated device. Also, the developed OBAR coatings exhibited excellent mechanical and weather stability. [Display omitted] •Successfully developed MgF2 hollow nanoparticles from Magnesium carbonate precursor.•OBAR Films demonstrated excellent angle invariant antireflection property.•Transmittance enhancement of 5–40% over an angle of incidence ranging from 10 to 80°.•MgF2 hollow nanoparticles were thoroughly investigated by Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).•>10% net increment in the efficiency was observed for OBAR coated glass encapsulated device.