Dual-functional MgF2-SiO2 nanocomposite thin films with enhanced antireflective and hydrophilic properties

Transparent hydrophilic nanocomposites thin films offer a cost-effective solution for mitigating dust accumulation on glass surfaces. This study investigates the synthesis and properties of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanocomposite thin films incorporating magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ), deposited onto glass substrates via a sol-gel dip-coating method. The optical, surface, and structural properties of the films were systematically characterized. Light transmission was measured by UV-visible spectrophotometry, surface wettability via water contact angle analysis, and film thickness by photometry. The chemical composition, morphology, and crystal structure were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The transmission spectra revealed that a specific formulation with an equimolar ratio of MgF 2 to SiO 2 achieved the highest light transmission, approximately 94.9% at 404 nm. Furthermore, water contact angle measurements demonstrated that increased MgF 2 content enhanced the hydrophilicity of the surfaces, yielding a contact angle of less than 13°. The successful integration of superior antireflective performance with pronounced hydrophilic behavior in a single coating highlights the potential of MgF 2 -SiO 2 nanocomposite thin films for developing advanced antifogging and antireflective coatings in optical applications. • MgF 2 -SiO 2 nano-composite thin film was prepared on glass substrate. • MgF 2 improved hydrophilicity of the silica film. • MgF 2 increased the transmittance of the silica film.