Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), with a nominal composition of In2O3 90% and SnO2 10%, is one of the most important transparent conducting oxides used today. Its unique combination of high optical transparency and electrical conductivity makes it indispensable in modern optoelectronic applications, from touchscreens to solar cells.
Material Overview
ITO is a solid solution where tin ions (Sn4+) substitute indium ions (In3+) within the cubic bixbyite structure of indium oxide. This doping introduces free carriers, significantly enhancing the material’s electrical conductivity while maintaining visible light transparency. ITO typically exhibits a resistivity of about 10−4 Ω·cm and optical transmittance above 85% in the visible range. Its thermal stability and smooth surface morphology make it ideal for thin film deposition via sputtering or evaporation.
Applications and Advantages
ITO’s dual optical and conductive nature makes it a cornerstone in display technologies, photovoltaics, and smart windows. It is widely used as a transparent electrode in LCD and OLED panels, touch sensors, and thin-film solar cells. Its high work function (~4.7 eV) ensures efficient charge carrier injection and extraction, improving device efficiency. Additionally, ITO coatings serve as infrared reflectors in low-emissivity architectural glass, balancing thermal insulation and visible light transmission.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies high-quality Indium Oxide/Tin Oxide (In2O3 90%/SnO2 10%) materials suitable for research and industrial applications. Available in multiple physical forms with high purity standards, these products can also be custom-fabricated to meet specific dimensional or deposition requirements.
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. (2007). Transparent conductors as solar energy materials: A panoramic review. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 91(17), 1529–1598.
- Ginley, D. S., & Bright, C. (2000). Transparent conducting oxides. MRS Bulletin, 25(8), 15–18.
- Ellmer, K. (2012). Past achievements and future challenges in the development of optically transparent electrodes. Nature Photonics, 6(12), 809–817.