Synergistic antisoiling mechanism on photovoltaic glass: Femtosecond laser-induced superhydrophobicity for enhanced droplet-mediated dust mitigation

Micro-nano structures were fabricated on photovoltaic glass surfaces by femtosecond laser technology. As a result, superhydrophobicity was significantly enhanced. Broad application prospects were demonstrated, including dust removal at photovoltaic power stations and self-cleaning of module components. Two key scientific issues are addressed in the study: the achievement of superhydrophobic surfaces on photovoltaic glass through femtosecond laser texturing, and the dust-carrying motion behavior of droplets. The impact and dust-carrying motion processes of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces were systematically observed and analyzed. The influences of surface characteristics, droplet volume, and falling height on droplet dynamic behavior were revealed. The correlation between the maximum spreading diameter (D_max) and dynamic wetting characteristics was clarified. Quantitative relationships were established among the number of droplet bounces, the maximum bounce height (H_max) of satellite droplets, and energy conversion. Accordingly, corresponding relationships were constructed among the spreading diameter, bounce height, and dust-carrying capacity of droplets. A comprehensive performance evaluation system for superhydrophobic photovoltaic surfaces was established, covering key indicators such as wettability, droplet dynamic behavior, mechanical durability, thermal stability, and light transmittance. The measured stable contact angle was 157°, light transmittance reached 87.4%, and the long-term operating temperature limit was 350 °C. The study holds significant scientific value for understanding the femtosecond laser precision etching mechanism and for addressing self-cleaning technical bottlenecks in photovoltaic power stations. Technical support is also provided for energy conservation and consumption reduction, thereby contributing to the “dual carbon” goals. © 2026 Elsevier B.V.