Transparent Conducting Amorphous IZO Thin Films: An Approach to Improve the Transparent Electrode Quality

Abstract

It is common knowledge that using different oxygen contents in the working gas during sputtering deposition results in fabrication of indium zinc oxide (IZO) films with a wide range of optoelectronic properties. It is also important that high deposition temperature is not required to achieve excellent transparent electrode quality in the IZO films. Modulation of the oxygen content in the working gas during RF sputtering of IZO ceramic targets was used to deposit IZO-based multilayers in which the ultrathin IZO unit layers with high electron mobility (μ-IZO) alternate with ones characterized by high concentration of free electrons (n-IZO). As a result of optimizing the thicknesses of each type of unit layer, low-temperature 400 nm thick IZO multilayers with excellent transparent electrode quality, indicated by the low sheet resistance (R ≤ 8 Ω/sq.) with high transmittance in the visible range (T¯ > 83%) and a very flat multilayer surface, were obtained.

Impact of Temperature Optimization of ITO Thin Film on Tandem Solar Cell Efficiency

“…According to Haacke, the optical and electrical properties of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films are best characterized via electrical sheet resistance and optical transmittance. Therefore, the FOM value was defined as an important parameter for evaluating the performance and determining the material quality of the films [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. It is calculated using Equation (6) below.…”

A Comprehensive Overview of Photovoltaic Technologies and Their Efficiency for Climate Neutrality

“…Other types of solar cells include thin-film solar cells, organic solar cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells, each with their own unique properties [5]. One of the challenges facing the widespread adoption of photovoltaic technology is the variability of solar radiation, which can be affected by factors such as shading, temperature variation, and weather conditions [6].…”

“…Today, photovoltaic technology is a major industry with applications in a wide range of sectors, including residential and commercial buildings, transportation, and power generation [5]. The continued growth of the industry is expected to play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable energy system [6]. The development of photovoltaic technology began in the mid-20th century.…”

“…The first application of a solar cell as a power source was in Americus, Georgia in 1955, followed by the launch of NASA's Vanguard-I satellite with a solar system in 1958 [8]. Photovoltaic power sources were also used in the Russian space program's Sputnik-3 satellite, marking the beginning of the use of photovoltaic technology in space missions [6]. Despite early successes in space applications, the commercialization of photovoltaic technology was hindered by the high cost of production [2].…”

“…The third is "Integration of photovoltaics with other energy systems: A recent study in advances and challenges" by Akhmedov, A.K., et al, (Materials) [6].…”