Properly Cleaning ITO Substrates for Organic Solar Cells

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SUMMARY

The proper cleaning procedure for Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrates used in organic solar cells is critical for achieving optimal performance. The recommended cleaning sequence involves using acetone, followed by isopropanol, deionized (DI) water, and finally drying with nitrogen. The previous method, which ended with acetone, led to residue formation, causing dirty spots and electrical shorts in the solar cells. Adopting the revised cleaning protocol ensures cleaner substrates and improved cell efficiency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ITO substrate applications in organic solar cells
  • Familiarity with ultrasonic cleaning techniques
  • Knowledge of solvent properties, specifically acetone and isopropanol
  • Experience with nitrogen drying methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) in solar technology
  • Learn about ultrasonic cleaning best practices for semiconductor substrates
  • Investigate the effects of different solvents on substrate cleanliness and performance
  • Explore advanced drying techniques using nitrogen for sensitive materials
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for materials scientists, solar cell researchers, and technicians involved in the fabrication and optimization of organic solar cells.

tufnatufna
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Hi

Could anyone tell me the procedure for the cleaning ITO substrates for organic solar cells?

This was my procedure, but I always had dirty spots on the glass and of course shortcuts in the cell.

1) cleaning in a deionized water + detergent (Hellmanex) mixture in ultrasonic bath (60 min)
2) 30min in deionized water in ultrasonic bath
3) then 30 min in ethanol (absolute) in ultrasonic bath
4) 15 min in acetone in ultrasonic bath
5) drying with nitrogen

What have I done wrong?

Thanks
 
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You should not end in acetone.

Acetone tends to be a relatively dirty solvent, and if you put a drop of acetone on a microscope slide and let it evaporate you are likely to find a film left behind. This is probably the origin of the dirty spots you see on your substrates. It is best to end in your cleanest solvent, probably DI water in this case. I usually find good results with:
1) acetone
2) isopropanol
3) DI water
4) nitrogen dry
 
Thank you, I also thought it was a problem. I got such recipe and it was a reason why I was doing that way.
 

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