Enhancing UV-A Radiation Shielding in Automotive Windshields Using Nanostructured Cerium Oxide Coatings

Abstract

Automotive windshields serve as the primary interface between passengers and external solar radiation. Exposure to UV-A radiation (315–400 nm) has been linked to various health and material degradation effects. This study investigates the development and characterization of nanostructured cerium oxide (CeO₂) coatings as an effective UV-A shielding material for windshields. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a sol-gel route and deposited via a spin-coating process onto glass substrates. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to analyze optical transmittance and UV-A absorption. Results indicate a significant decrease in UV-A transmission (>70% blocking efficiency) with minimal interference in visible light transmission, supporting CeO₂’s potential as an ideal candidate for next-generation UV-protective coatings in automotive applications.