Scientists have developed a new type of transparent electrode that avoids the use of indium, a rare and expensive metal widely used in modern electronics.
The innovation could make next-generation displays and other electronic devices more sustainable while improving their performance and durability.
The research was led by Professors Han-Ki Kim and Bo Ram Lee from Sungkyunkwan University’s School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering.
Their findings were published in the journal Materials Today.
Transparent electrodes are essential components in many electronic devices, including smartphones, televisions, and solar cells.
These electrodes must conduct electricity while still allowing light to pass through.
For years, the industry has relied on a material called indium tin oxide, commonly known as ITO, to perform this function.
However, indium comes with several problems. It is relatively rare and expensive, which increases production costs. More importantly, indium atoms can slowly move inside electronic devices over time.
This process, known as ion diffusion, can damage the device structure, reduce performance, and shorten the product’s lifetime.
To overcome these issues, the research team designed a new transparent electrode made from nitrogen-doped tin oxide, or NTO. Instead of indium, the new material uses tin, which is far more abundant and environmentally friendly.
The scientists created the NTO electrode using a precise manufacturing method called radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. This technique allows thin films of material to be deposited onto surfaces with high accuracy, which is important for producing electronic components.
Tests showed that devices using the new electrode performed extremely well. In fact, they reached an external quantum efficiency of 20.82 percent, which is comparable to devices that use the traditional indium-based electrodes. External quantum efficiency is a key measure of how effectively a device converts electricity into light.
Perhaps the most impressive result was the improvement in durability. Devices built with the NTO electrode lasted more than twice as long as those using conventional ITO electrodes. The researchers believe this is because the nitrogen and tin atoms form strong chemical bonds that help block the movement of metal ions, preventing damage inside the device.
Another advantage of the new material is that it can be manufactured at relatively low temperatures and over large areas. This means the technology could be integrated into existing industrial production lines without major changes, making large-scale manufacturing easier and more cost-effective.
Professor Han-Ki Kim explained that the new electrode addresses some of the most important limitations of current transparent electrode technologies. By removing the need for rare metals, the approach could help create more sustainable electronic devices.
The team believes the technology could be used not only in next-generation display systems, such as perovskite light-emitting diodes, but also in future energy devices like solar cells. If adopted widely, this indium-free solution could play an important role in building more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly electronics.
Source: KSR.
