Jul 16, 2012 |
New solution-processable 3D transparent conductive film - heads up for electronics devices
|
(Nanowerk News) Scientists from NUS, one of the world’s leading
university, have demonstrated that it is possible to replace ITO in dye sensitized solar
cell (DSSC) with 3-D TC fabricated using a cheap aqueous method. The solar cell
efficiencies of DSSC fabricated using different TCs are comparable. The novel TCs
created by this method are not restricted to planar-geometries. Low temperature
process used during the synthesis is the crucial factor in designing architectured
electrodes on any arbitrary substrates. The researchers were also able to produce
optically smooth and conductive TC on large glass panels, thus widening the potential
applications of this material.
|
The achievement can allow various electronics manufacturers to use the new
design electrodes to make the same device at a lower cost and higher efficiency (50-
70%). This will greatly enhance the attractiveness of such unique electrodes in various
electronics consumer market.
|
“ITO is expensive so we decided to develop cheaper alternative-solution
processable electrodes of architectured 3D structures of tunable optical and electrical
properties” said Dr Ho Ghim Wei, the Principal investigator, Assistant Professor of the
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at NUS. “The TCs are designed to
scatter light and transport photogenerated electrons through homojunction electrodes
which enhance electrical performance” said Kevin Moe, a current graduate student
working on this project.
|
Current electronic devices uses ITO as the electrode fabricated using vacuum
process, which is not cost-effective. By employing an aqueous route, it is possible to
make large area TC for DSCC and other devices.
|
One of their publications on TCs development was published in the Energy and
Environmental Science journal earlier this year. The scientists have since shown
efficiencies that have exceeded the published results. NUS scientists are also exploiting
the developed materials for new applications that will benefit from the low cost and
scalability process.
|
The above-mentioned invention has been filed with the US Patent & Trade Marks Office.
|