Recent advances in superhydrophobic polymers for antireflective self-cleaning solar panels

Although progress has been made in materials possessing involving superhydrophobicity (SH) and anti-reflectivity (AR), the challenge for their practical use remains their durability. Here, in our work, we have discussed the importance of optimizing all three parameters i.e., superhydrophobicity, transparency, and durability in polymers and their composites, particularly for solar cell applications. We focus on durability since it is ultimately the deciding factor for the longevity and stability of the SH and AR films. Furthermore, the ongoing progress concerning SH and AR polymer films and their durability tests with major challenges faced in the practical applications are briefly analyzed. We critically compare polymers and their composites in terms of their superhydrophobicity and transparency, with emphasis on relating their structural, chemical, and mechanical properties for their effective application on glass covers of solar cell panels.