Could tin oxide replace indium tin oxide (ITO) in transparent electrodes?

Tin-oxide-doped indium oxide (ITO) is an excellent material for the transparent electrodes used in smartphone displays, OLED lighting, and other products. However, the material’s scarcity and high cost are problematic. Researchers at Leti are looking for an alternative material, and the early results of their investigations show that tin oxide (SnO₂) could be a viable candidate. The material remains stable during microfabrication processes like dry and wet etching. And, it is applied using atomic layer deposition (ALD), which means that the thickness of the layers can be more accurately controlled than with the spray process used for ITO. These factors make tin oxide ideal for OLEDs, for example. The researchers are continuing to assess the material’s potential for the fabrication of so-called “reverse” OLEDs, which offer longer lifespans than conventional OLEDs.

Contact: tony.maindron@cea.fr

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