1 research outputs found
Superflexibility of ITO Electrodes via Submicron Patterning
Indium tin oxide
(ITO) is the premier choice for transparent conductive electrodes
in optoelectronic devices despite its inherent brittleness. Here we
report the fabrication of a grating-like structure that obviates ITO’s
mechanical limitations while retaining its resistivity and optical
qualities. ITO nanopatterned films exhibited a resistivity <1.3
× 10<sup>–3</sup> Ω cm, which surpassed all previously
reported values for flexible ITO, with a normal transmission >90%
across the whole visible spectrum range. We demonstrate the nanopatterned
ITO retains extraordinary flexibility and durability on heat-sensitive
substrates, accommodating cyclic bending to a curvature diameter of
at least 3.2 mm for over 50 cycles of compressive and decompressive
flexing without significant deterioration of its resistivity or optical
properties. Moreover, 2-dimensional extrapolation shows that multiaxial
bending is also feasible while maintaining mechanical flexibility,
durability, and optical transparency