Advances in tin-based transparent conductive oxides for thin film photovoltaic applications

Thin film photovoltaic applications typically require a front surface transparent conductive oxide (TCO). The most commercially successful TCO for photovoltaic applications has been fluorine doped tin oxide. Fluorine doped tin oxide is easily processed, mechanically durable, heat resistant, stable, and has controllable morphology. Tin oxide can be deposited during the glass manufacturing process, providing high performance coatings for an excellent value. Recent developments in this field include conductivity shifting coatings, and multi-textured morphologies.