Metallic amorphous alloy for long-term stable electrodes in organic sensors and photovoltaics

Abstract

Amorphous metallic alloy, i.e. metallic glass (MG), is a metal without long-range ordered atomic arrangements. The unique structural property of MGs contributes to the superior mechanical and chemical properties to that of conventional metals. In this research, the unique characteristics of MG is considered for fabrication of long-term stable thin film strain sensors and the electrode for organic solar cells. MG thin film with zirconium (Zr) based composition exhibited encouraging results on strain sensing, showing high mechanical stability with reversible resistive response under the applied strain by bending. Furthermore, MG thin films with aluminum (Al) based composition exhibited high chemical stability, which contributed to the organic solar cell's stable operation without significant degradation in performance. Thus, the results suggest that MG is a promising material to realize long-term sustainable organic photovoltaic device. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.