Indium oxide/tin oxide (In2O3 90/SnO2 10), commonly known as indium tin oxide or ITO, is a transparent conducting oxide that combines high electrical conductivity with optical transparency in the visible spectrum. This unique balance has made it a cornerstone material in modern display, photovoltaic, and optoelectronic technologies.
Material Overview
ITO is composed primarily of indium(III) oxide (In2O3) doped with approximately 10% tin(IV) oxide (SnO2). The material exhibits a cubic bixbyite crystal structure, where the tin atoms substitute indium sites, introducing free electrons that enhance conductivity. Typical resistivity values are around 10-4 Ω·cm, with optical transmittance above 85% in the visible range. The combination of wide bandgap (~3.7 eV) and degenerate n-type conductivity arises from oxygen vacancies and donor states provided by tin substitution, making ITO ideal for transparent electrode applications.
Applications and Advantages
ITO is extensively used in flat-panel displays, touchscreen interfaces, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and thin-film solar cells. Its high transmittance ensures minimal light loss, while its excellent surface conductivity allows efficient charge transport. In energy-efficient windows and architectural coatings, ITO layers reduce infrared transmission, contributing to improved thermal management. Furthermore, the material’s chemical stability and ease of deposition via sputtering or evaporation make it suitable for scalable manufacturing processes. ITO's tunable conductivity through annealing and oxygen control allows customization for specific electronic or optical requirements.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies indium oxide/tin oxide (In2O3 90/SnO2 10) in various purities and configurations for research and industrial use. Custom dimensions and forms are available to meet specialized application needs, ensuring high-quality material performance for optical coatings, thin-film deposition, and conductive layers.
Explore Indium Oxide/Tin Oxide In2O3 90/SnO2 10 and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- Granqvist, C. G. (2021). Transparent conductors as solar energy materials: A panoramic review. Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 219, 110802. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2007SEMSC..91.1529G/abstract
- Ginley, D. S., & Hosono, H. (2020). Handbook of Transparent Conductors. Springer Nature. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4419-1638-9
- Fortunato, E., Barquinha, P., & Martins, R. (2012). Oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors: A review of recent advances. Advanced Materials, 24(22), 2945–2986. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201103228