Multifunctional composite multilayer coatings on glass with self-cleaning, hydrophilicity and heat-insulating properties

Multifunctional coated glass with self-cleaning, hydrophilicity and heat-insulating properties is prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering. A SiO2(top)/TiO2(under) double-layer structure is deposited on the outer surface of the glass to integrate self-cleaning and hydrophilicity functions. The inside of the glass is a similar six-layer coating that has heat-insulating function. Detailed optimization process for constructing the composite coatings on the glass is reported, and its efficacy is evaluated. TiO2 nanotubes sensitized with narrow-band-gap semiconductor drastically improve the photocatalytic activity. SiO2/sensitized TiO2 nanotube double-layer also exhibits excellent photo-induced super-hydrophilicity. The optical properties of each individual layer have been studied in order to achieve a balance between the heat-insulation performance and the visible-light transmittance of the heat-insulating multilayers. The spectra of the two-side composite coatings on the glass show that the color appearance can be tailored, which present potential applications in the architectural windows and automotive glazing. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.