Transparent conductive oxide materials: financial stakes and technological challenges

Although transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) have been known and used for quite some time, research on these materials is still very active to improve their characteristics. This paper is aimed at giving an overview of the contribution of the TCO materials to the economy in various fields of applications (flat panel displays, photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, smart windows, gas sensors, etc.) and at summarising the challenges these materials must take up to remain highly competitive.

Keywords: TCO market study, flat panel displays, photovoltaics, LEDs, smart windows, gas sensors, light-emitting diodes, alternative transparent conductors, TCO performance, transparent conductive oxides, TCO materials, nanotechnology