Superhydrophilic Nanostructure for Antifogging Glass

Technology Marketing SummarySamuel Mao and a team of scientists at Berkeley Lab have created superhydrophilic nanostructures that can be used as a stable antifogging agent when applied to glass. The Berkeley Lab invention does not require UV irradiation and is nontoxic.DescriptionIn tests, the technology continued to function efficiently after more than 20 successive wetting-dewetting cycles. The optical properties of the coating are superior to those of other formulations in demonstrating higher transmittance (> 90%) and reduced reflectance (6-8% over wavelengths of 300-2,500 nm). Tests for hydrophilicity demonstrated that water droplets spread within a couple of hundred milliseconds on a glass surface coated with the nanostructures; the droplets reached an equilibrium contact angle of 1°, as opposed to 34° for uncoated glass.

Existing antifogging coatings prevent the formation of water droplets on surfaces, but are effective only for a limited amount of time because they evaporate, can be accidently wiped-off, or lose their hydrophilicity over time. They also require regular reactivation with UV (ultraviolet) irradiation and many of them are toxic, preventing their use on dental and surgical devices.Benefits

• Stable over time
• Inexpensive
• Does not require UV-light activation
• Excellent optical properties (high transmittance; low reflectance and refractive index)

Applications and Industries

• Windshields and windows
• Solar panels
• Lenses for cameras, endoscopes, laparoscopes, and other optical devices
• Eyewear – goggles and glasses
• Dental mirrors

Technology Status

Technology ID	Development Stage	Availability	Published	Last Updated
IB-2687	Prototype - Patent Pending. Functional Prototype	Available - Available for licensing or collaborative research.	06/13/2010	07/17/2012