Transparent conductive electrodes of mixed TiO_2−x–indium tin oxide for organic photovoltaics

A transparent conductive electrode of mixed titanium dioxide (TiO_2−x)–indium tin oxide (ITO) with an overall reduction in the use of indium metal is demonstrated. When used in organic photovoltaic devices based on bulk heterojunction photoactive layer of poly (3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester, a power conversion efficiency of 3.67% was obtained, a value comparable to devices having sputtered ITO electrode. Surface roughness and optical efficiency are improved when using the mixed TiO_2−x–ITO electrode. The consumption of less indium allows for lower fabrication cost of such mixed thin film electrode.