A new indium tin oxide (ITO) alternative has been developed by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The low-temperature method uses silver nanowires to make transparent electrodes. These are flexible and highly conductive, overcoming limitations presented by ITO. The researchers demonstrated that fusing silver nanowires with metal-oxide nanoparticles and organic polymers could efficiently produce highly transparent conductors, reports Solar Novus Today. To adhere the nanowires to a surface without using extreme temperatures, the team used a combination of namomaterials to create a hybrid film, pulling the wires together as it dries.
The team has tested solar cells made using their method against those using ITO, with comparable results.
Documents and links
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Solar Novus Today report
Organic Solar Cells: Silver nanotubes offer ITO alternative
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