Researchers develop materials for next generation transparent conductors

IMRE and Cima NanoTech are collaborating to develop new transparent conductive materials and components, based on Cima's SANTE Technology and IMRE's know-how in printed electronics. These innovations will enable efficient conductive interfaces with high transparency, which can be developed into low cost and high performance products for displays, organic solar cells, and flexible electronics.

Conventional Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCO) used in today's solar cells, OLEDs, flat panel TVs, and touchscreen displays have limitations in conductivity, flexibility, and cost. These new materials and processes that IMRE and Cima are developing will potentially enable faster response touch screens for large flexible displays and reduce production cost.

"Cima is particularly interested in IMRE's extensive electronics materials systems and device fabrication capabilities," said Mr Jon Brodd, Cima NanoTech's Chief Executive Officer (Singapore). IMRE and CIMA are working together to develop enabling nanotechnology materials, components, and processing methods to support new market applications in transparent conductors and printed electronics with SANTE, Cima NanoTech's self aligning nanoparticle network.

"We are collaborating with Cima to develop new transparent conductor applications that will lead to cheaper, flexible, more eco-friendly and sustainable products," said Dr Zhang Jie, the key scientist leading IMRE's printed electronics initiative. The research team will develop applications using novel, sustainable transparent conductor materials as an alternative to conventional ITO-based materials.

"Innovations in materials R&D are crucial in evolving today's devices into new products with tomorrow's technology. IMRE's research portfolio covers the entire printed electronics value chain that includes materials, processes, optimisation and reliability testing for integrated printed electronics prototypes. I am glad that we can present a diverse suite of capabilities in partnering Cima in the area of transparent conductors and printed electronics," said Prof Andy Hor, IMRE's Executive Director.

Provided by Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore