What Has Been Achieved: We have identified a novel family of transparent conductors whose stability hinges on their large configurational entropy. We have synthesized 4 and 5 B-cation thin films. The 5-B-cation perovskite’s transparency is pushed 1 eV into the UV vis a vis the prototypical transparent conducting perovskite, SrVO3. Theoretical predictions from first principles of each B-cation to conductivity of material.
Importance of the Achievement: The current state of the art transparent conductor is Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). Because ITO is a doped semiconductor, its conductivity is limited by dopant solubility. In contrast, by leveraging configurational entropy the composition space can be explored to find high conductivity materials. We demonstrate the ability to predict the contribution of each B-cation to the conductivity of the material. Grown films suggest fifth B-cation ensures homogeneous distribution and full oxidation of the B-cations.
Unique Feature(s) of the MRSEC/PREM that Enabled this Achievement: MRSEC-enabled ability to collaboratively predict, synthesize, and measure electrical and optical properties of new materials made this achievement possible. Materials are synthesized in state-of-the-art pulse laser deposition (PLD) equipped with reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) system.