Ultrahigh electrical conductivity in solution-sheared polymeric transparent films

Many applications, including solar cells and touch screens, require coatings that are both optically transparent and electrically conductive. Most device structures use indium tin oxide to serve as this transparent conductor (TC), even though it accounts for a disproportionally large amount of device cost. Alternatives, such as polymer-based materials, may not only provide additional cost benefits, but may also allow for added functionality, such as flexibility. In this paper, we examine conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) deposited by solution shearing as a TC film. Morphological and chemical changes caused by solution shearing deposition lead to record-high conductivities and overall excellent TC performance.