Transparent Conductive Materials

TCO type n : ;In this axis we focus on the deposition of Indium-free n type TCOs by using MOCVD and (S)ALD. Namely, we have developed in the last years new SALD processes for the deposition of tin oxide (SnO_x) based n type TCOs, and Zinc oxide based n Type TCOs (both intrinsic ZnO with post deposition optimisation and doped ZnO. We are currently further optimizing this materials using new precursors and processes aiming at low temperature processing (< 300 °C) and high deposition rates (compatible with PV production). Finally, we also explore the combination of our n type TCOs with AgNWs to develop composites with superior performance. Regarding MOCVD, current developments focus on controlling deposition conditions for thin films of perovskite phases as Mott conductors (SrVO₃, SrNbO₃).
 

Type p TCO : This area of research focuses on the development of new deposition processes and optimisation of the properties of well-known p-type TCOs such as NiO and Cu₂O, mainly through SALD, and on research aimed at optimising through MOCVD alternative phases such as Delafossite phases (non-stoichiometric CuCrO₂) or through nanocomposite approaches combining thin films and nanowires networks for transparent and flexible applications. In order to improve the different properties of the p-type TCOs films our approaches is based on optimizing the deposition condition by controlling the microstructures, the compositions and doping to ultimately leading to integration into devices (transparent pn junctions, sensors, Hole transport layer in solar cells, …)
 

Metal nanowire networks : The metal nanowires (MNW) research area aims to develop and better understand the physical properties of metal nanowire networks, their stability, and their integration into devices primarily related to energy or health. We are particularly interested in better understanding the physical properties (mainly optical and electrical) as a function of the chemical nature of MNWs, their size, and the density of the network. These studies are conducted experimentally and through physical modeling. We also seek to thoroughly study the stability of these networks when subjected to thermal, electrical, or environmental stresses. Work is being done to integrate them into devices mainly related to applications in the fields of transparent heating films, low-emissivity films, and transparent electrodes for photovoltaics or electrochromism, for example. <