Float glass

Abstract: Building-integrated sunlight harvesting utilizing laminated glass luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) is proposed. By incorporating high quantum yield (>90%), NIR-emitting CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots into the polymer interlayer between two sheets of low-iron float glass, a record optical efficiency of 8.1% is demonstrated for a 10 cm × 10 cm device that transmits ∼44% visible light. After completing prototypes by attaching silicon solar cells along the perimeter of the device, the electrical power conversion efficiency was certified at 2.2% with a black background and at 2.9% using a reflective substrate. This “drop-in” LSC solution is particularly attractive because it fits within the existing glazing industry value chain with only modest changes to typical glazing products. Performance modeling predicts >1 GWh annual electricity production for a typical urban skyscraper in most major U.S. cities, enabling significant energy cost savings and potentially “net-zero” buildings.

Abstract: A method and article are disclosed wherein a substrate is provided with a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning surface by forming a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating on the substrate by spray pyrolysis chemical vapor deposition or magnetron sputter vacuum deposition. The coating has a thickness of at least about 500 Angstroms to limit sodium-ion poisoning to a portion of the coating facing the substrate. Alternatively, a sodium ion diffusion barrier layer is deposited over the substrate prior to the deposition of the photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating to prevent sodium ion poisoning of the photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating. The substrate includes glass substrates, including glass sheet and continuous float glass ribbon.