Fabrication of antireflective superhydrophobic thin film based on the TMMS with self-cleaning and anti-icing properties

In this research, thin film based on trimethoxymethylsilane (TFBT) was prepared by a sol-gel dip coating method on a glass substrate. Cholorotrimethylsilane (CTMS) was utilized to modify the TFBT surface. The films were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer, and water contact angle analyzer methods. In addition, the self-cleaning and anti-icing properties of the films were investigated. The modified film displays super-hydrophobicity (CA, 153 degrees and SA, 6.5 degrees), high antireflectivity (tramanitance and reflectance spectra, 95% and 4.9% at 550 nm), good thermal stability (up to 450 degrees C), a strong ability to mitigate ice formation, and is very efficient at removing dust through water droplets.