Combining high conductivity with complete optical transparency: A band-structure approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a band-structure approach to identify a new class of transparent conductors, specifically electrides, that combine high electrical conductivity with complete optical transparency, expanding the possibilities for optoelectronic materials.

Contribution

It formulates criteria for designing transparent conductors and proposes electrides as a promising new class meeting these requirements.

Findings

Nanoporous Ca12Al14O33 is a new transparent conductor.

Electrides can meet the criteria for high conductivity and transparency.

The analysis provides a pathway for discovering novel transparent materials.

Abstract

A comparison of the structural, optical and electronic properties of the recently discovered transparent conducting oxide (TCO), nanoporous Ca12Al14O33, with those of the conventional TCO's (such as Sc-doped CdO) indicates that this material belongs conceptually to a new class of transparent conductors. For this class of materials, we formulate criteria for the successful combination of high electrical conductivity with complete transparency in the visible range. Our analysis suggests that this set of requirements can be met for a group of novel materials called electrides.