Ionic liquid coating for charge mitigation of solar modules in space: Electron microscopy on insulating nanosphere lithography patterned surfaces

Abstract

Surfaces of satellites and spacecraft are exposed to high energy charged particles from the solar wind, especially during space weather events. This can lead to differential charging, which is a common reason for hardware degradation and sensor errors. Solutions like coatings are required to avoid excessive cost and weight. Mimicking the electron part of space-like environments in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers can be achieved by using electrons emitted by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). As a performance test for the discharge capabilities we use the quality of electron microscopy images on otherwise insulating substrates such as glass, structured by nanosphere lithography and coated with an ionic liquid (IL). Additionally, the surface potential was measured by Kelvin Probe Force Spectroscopy. The IL film (BMP DCA) was applied ex-situ and a thickness of 12.8 (±0.8) nm was determined by reflectometry and confirmed by dynamic atomic force microscopy. Such a film of ionic liquid would lead to an additional mass of below 20 mg and negligible additional material costs. The light absorption and influence of ionic liquid coatings on the current output of an actual solar cell were investigated. The results indicate, that these coatings are promising candidates for surface charge mitigation with a high potential for application.

Keywords

• conductive coating
• charging mitigation
• ionic liquid
• solar panel
• satellite
• surface charges
• spacecrafts