A new material that is both highly transparent and electrically conductive could make large screen displays, smart windows, touch screens ,and solar cells more affordable and efficient, according to materials scientists and engineers at Penn State who have discovered just such a material.
Indium tin oxide (ITO), the transparent conductor that is now used for more than 90 percent of the display market, has been the dominant material for the past 60 years. But in the last decade, the price of indium has increased dramatically. Displays and touchscreen modules have become a main cost driver in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, making up close to 40 percent of the cost.
