Graphite-like C3N4-coated transparent superhydrophilic glass with controllable superwettability and high stability

摘要

In this study, transparent superhydrophilic glass is prepared by doping g-C3N4(g-C3N4-TSG) using a facile evaporation process. The obtained g-C3N4-TSG exhibited excellent superhydrophilicity, transmittance with high stability, wearability, and weatherability, and novel features including photocatalytic and antibacterial activity, anti-ultraviolet and adsorption properties, and electrical conductivity. This material is promising for use in diverse everyday scenarios. The high surface energy of 78.4 mN.m(-1) and thinness (2 mu m) of the deposited g-C3N4 film endow the glass with exceptional performance, but also cause rapid performance decay in high-dust environments due to adsorbate contamination. Lowering the surface energy and roughening the surface microstructure can effectively extend the service life of g-C3N4-TSG to more than 120 days. This multifunctional glass is a useful material and provides a novel strategy for preparing superhydrophilic surfaces.