Low temperature forming processes of nanocomposite films for optoelectronics

The technique for the synthesis of sol-gel ITO films with embedded ZnGa$_2$O$_4$:Cr$^{3+}$, Yb$^{3+}$ (YAGG:Cr$^{3+}$, Yb$^{3+}$) nanocrystals exhibiting long-lasting afterglow on the surface of a photovoltaic solar cell has been developed. The luminescence intensity for a sol-gel film with ZnGa$_2$O$_4$:Cr$^{3+}$, Yb$^{3+}$ nanocrystals is an order of magnitude lower than for ITO films with YAGG:Cr$^{3+}$, Yb$^{3+}$ nanocrystals. The use of the Pechini method ensures the luminescence intensity of ITO films with YAGG:Cr$^{3+}$, Yb$^{3+}$ nanocrystals is 4 times higher than the chemical deposition method. Nanocrystals were introduced into an ITO-based matrix. In$_2$O$_3$:SnO$_2$ (ITO) is a semiconductor with a band gap of 3.7–4.3 eV, providing high transmittance in the visible light region. ITO thin films are used in optoelectronics and microelectronics as a transparent conductive contact for a range of optoelectronic products, including solar cells, LEDs, laser diodes and flat panel displays.