Date of Award

1-24-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Engineering, MSE

First Advisor

Robert Fleming

Committee Members

Alexandr Sokolov; Yeonsang Hwang

Call Number

LD 251 .A566t 2023 B44

Abstract

This thesis investigates the efficacy of functionalized nanoparticle coatings in reducing soiling and cementation on solar panels. Employing cementation cycles with Arizona Test Dust (ATD) and Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) dust, the study examines the impact of these coatings under simulated environmental conditions. Key analyses include water contact angle (WCA), transmittance, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that methylated coatings significantly enhance hydrophobicity and maintain higher transmittance, suggesting less frequent cleaning and sustained effectiveness. The study noted a considerable variation in WCA post-cementation, particularly a marked decrease for the lighting sample, signifying a notable chemical alteration on the coated surface. XPS analysis reveals the chemical stability of the methylated coatings, indicating the potential for improved solar panel durability. XPS results also indicated significant chemical changes in the lighting coatings, aligning with the observed shifts in WCA.

Rights Management

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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