Thin‐Metal‐Film‐Based Transparent Conductors: Material Preparation, Optical Design, and Device Applications (Advanced Optical Materials 3/2021)

Thin metal film stands out as a promising indium tin oxide (ITO)-free transparent conductor, by its good optoelectronic performance, excellent mechanical flexibility, and simple fabrication process. In their Review (article number 2001298), Cheng Zhang, L. Jay Guo and co-workers discuss the past progress and future challenges of ITO-free transparent conductors that are based on thin metal films. This comprehensive review provides general guidelines of material selection, various techniques for preparing and characterizing high-quality ultra-thin metal films, and associated optical design principles for maximizing the conductor's performance. It also surveys both traditional and emerging applications. This review offers a valuable reference for researchers working on transparent conductors and optoelectronic devices using the same.