Solution-processed indium-tin-oxide nanoparticle transparent conductors on flexible glass substrate with high optical transmittance and high thermal stability

Abstract

In this study, solution-processed transparent conductors on flexible glass substrate were investigated using indium-tin-oxide (ITO) nanoparticle (NP) ink. The ITO-NP conductors were well fabricated on the flexible glass substrate with neither distortion nor deformation. Optical transmittances of the ITO-NP conductors on flexible glass substrate were enhanced to more than 91% that is higher than those on rigid glass substrate owing to decreased thickness. As well, the ITO-NP conductors on flexible glass substrate heat-treated at 500 and 600 degrees C showed good thermal stabilities of electrical and optical properties. In case of bending characteristics of samples heat-treated at 500 and 600 degrees C, the change in resistance was slight within 14%, which is smaller than those of conventional TCOs on flexible films. Based on the results, we propose that the solution-processed ITO-NP conductors are suitable for TCOs on flexible glass substrates. (C) 2014 The Japan Society of Applied Physics