Re2C Sub-Carbide Thin Films for Flexible Transparent Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrically conductive thin films, such as ITO, tin oxide, and zinc oxide, face challenges in achieving high conductivity and flexibility, making them unsuitable for flexible electronic devices, and have limited reserves and high costs for indium tin oxide.

Innovation Solution

Development of a sub-carbide compound with a layered crystal structure, represented by Re2C, where Re is a lanthanide, providing high electrical conductivity and transparency, suitable for use in flexible electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ITO is used as transparent electrode material, then electrical conductivity is improved, but flexibility deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by substituting indium with alternative metal elements (such as zinc, aluminum, gallium) in controlled ratios, thereby achieving the desired balance between electrical conductivity and flexibility while reducing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops composite transparent electrode materials by combining multiple metal elements (e.g., Zn-Al-Oxide, Ga-Zn-Oxide) to achieve synergistic effects that simultaneously improve conductivity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If SnO2 or ZnO is used to improve flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the stoichiometric ratios and compositional parameters of SnO2 and ZnO-based materials, optimizing the metal-to-oxide ratio and doping concentrations to enhance electrical conductivity while preserving flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite structures combining SnO2 with ZnO or other conductive materials, where the composite architecture enables both flexible mechanical properties and improved electrical conductivity through interfacial effects and charge carrier transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If ITO is used to achieve high electrical conductivity, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to limited indium reserves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive indium-based materials with more abundant and cost-effective alternative materials such as zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, and gallium oxide, which are readily available and significantly reduce manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters and processing conditions of alternative materials to achieve electrical conductivity levels comparable to or exceeding ITO, thereby eliminating the need for expensive indium while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9809460B2Electrically conductive thin films containing Re2C

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electrically conductive thin film including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and having a layered crystal structureRe2C Chemical Formula 1wherein Re is a lanthanide. Also an electronic device including the electrically conductive thin film.