May 13, 2013
Korean researchers developed a new technology to manufacture grid transparent electrode* that can replace the existing ones too high-priced to afford. The technology can manufacture transparent electrode in a serial large surface by using an affordable solvent process and is expected to play a big role in advancing transparent displays used in mobile phones, laptops and TVs. (*Grid transparent electrode: electricity flows along the thin metallic line placed in grid shape and light permeates through the space in between the grids to enable its application in transparent displays)
The research project, which is led by professor Jung, Gun Young of School of Material Science and Engineering, GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, President Young Joon Kim) and researcher Lee, Gwang Ho currently in the doctor’s course as the first author, has received sponsorship from NCRC spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning and National Research Foundation of Korea. It was also published as the front cover story in the online edition of Advanced Materials, which is a prestigious journal on material science, on Apr. 22nd. (Title: All-solution-processed Transparent Thin Film Transistor and Its Application to Liquid Crystals Driving)
The existing indium tin oxide (ITO) uses indium but the rapid price increase of indium due to limited reserves has prompted many researchers to search for alternatives to indium.
Research to commercialize grid transparent electrode that delivers a high level of electric conductivity and transparency is by far the hottest research subject these days. But, the technology is challenged by having to use expensive high-vacuum metal deposition equipment required to make thin grid metallic line and the difficulties associated with serial manufacturing on a large surface.
The team managed to overcome such challenges in manufacturing grid transparent electrode by using silver nanoparticles solvent, which is an affordable process.
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