In certain examples, a porous silica-based matrix may be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, using sol gel methods, a coating solution of or including metal alkoxides such as TEOS and porous nanoparticles such as mesoporous silica may be used to form a layer(s) of or including silica and porous nanoparticles in a solid matrix directly or indirectly on a glass substrate. The coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered). The layer of the porous silica-based matrix may be used as a broadband anti-reflective coating.