UV Irradiation of Indium Tin Oxide Layers

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This patent describes a novel method for producing transparent and conductive coatings using indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles. The process involves preparing a dispersion of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) nanoparticles (specifically ITO), applying this dispersion onto a substrate, removing the solvent, and then irradiating the coated layer with ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV curing step improves conductivity while minimizing thermal stress on the substrate. The technique is especially suited for continuous, industrial-scale production and is compatible with flexible or heat-sensitive substrates such as plastics.

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• Transparent conductive films for displays (LCDs, OLEDs, electrophoretic displays)
• Touch screens for smart devices, tablets, or kiosks
• Transparent electrodes for solar cells (photovoltaic elements)
• Flexible electronic circuits and sensors on plastic substrates
• Antistatic coatings for packaging or housings
• Heatable coatings for automotive or architectural glass
• Infrared shielding films
• Chemical and electromagnetic sensors

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces thermal damage to substrates, especially suitable for heat-sensitive polymers and flexible films
• Supports cost-efficient, large-scale (e.g., roll-to-roll) manufacturing
• Enables direct patterning/structuring of conductive layers via printing, reducing waste compared to traditional vacuum techniques
• Achieves high optical transparency and low electrical resistance simultaneously
• Improves mechanical durability and adhesion of coatings, including under bending stress (flexible electronics)
• Avoids the use of binders that would otherwise impair conductivity
• Wide applicability across various electronic, optoelectronic, and sensor devices

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparation of transparent, conductive layers comprising the steps (1) of preparation of a dispersion of TCO nanoparticles, next (2) application of the dispersion obtained from step (1) onto a substrate, and at least partial removal of the solvent- or dispersion agent, next (3) irradiation of the coating obtained after step (2) with UV-light, and also to a layer obtained with the invented method, and to an electronic component having one such layer.