Novel superhydrophobic energy-saving window coatings based on F–Nb–TiO2/SiO2 composites

Series of novel energy-saving window coatings based on F–Nb–TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites with superhydrophobic self-cleaning performance were successfully prepared. Surface modification of F–Nb–TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles by aminopropyl triethoxy silane and perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane produced hydrophobic powders. With the help of the hierarchical structures of F–Nb–TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites, superhydrophobic surfaces were obtained. The water contact angle of the composite coatings reached 155.6°. The prepared superhydrophobic coatings shown superior anti-fouling property and good mechanical performance. Furthermore, the composite coating can shield most of solar radiation. The composite coating lowed the air temperature of the simulate house by 11 °C in the outdoor thermal experiments. The integration of good solar filtration and exceptional anti-fouling performance makes F–Nb–TiO2/SiO2 coatings suitable candidates for energy-saving window coatings.