Plasmonic Effects of Infiltrated Silver Nanoparticles Inside TiO2 Film: Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance in DSSCs

The plasmonic effects of infiltrated silver (Ag) nanoparticles, with different contents, inside a nanostructured TiO₂ film on the photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are explored. The synthesized Ag nanoparticles are immobilized onto deposited TiO₂ nanoparticles by a new strategy using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), a bifunctional linker molecule. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that monodispersed Ag and polydispersed TiO₂ nanoparticles have an average diameter of 12 ± 3 nm and 5 ± 1 nm, respectively. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that Ag nanoparticles were successfully functionalized and capped with MPA. Optical studies on the MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inside TiO₂ film show an increase in the total absorbance of the electrode. Moreover, EIS measurements confirm that MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inhibit the charge recombination and improve the stability of nanoparticles in I₃^?/I^? electrolyte. The DSSC assembled with optimal content of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles demonstrated an enhanced power conversion efficiency (8.82% ± 0.07%) compared with the pure TiO₂ (7.30% ± 0.05%). The increase in cell efficiency was attributed to the enhanced dye light absorption in strength and spectral range due to the surface plasmon resonance of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles in the photoanode.     

Fabrication of Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous TiO2 Films with Enhanced Photovoltaic Conversion Efficiency

Negative-charged polystyrene (PS) microspheres were prepared through a soap-free emulsion polymerization method using potassium persulfate as initiator. Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous TiO₂ films were fabricated using the high-quality PS colloidal crystals templates obtained via a horizontal deposition method. The as-prepared macroporous TiO₂ films were applied as the photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The microstructure of the products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analyzer. The results showed that the macroporous TiO₂ films replicated well the 3D ordered structure derived from PS colloidal crystal templates and revealed a relatively large specific surface area (69.99 m²/g), which could increase the capacity of TiO₂ film anode for absorbing dyes and scattering light. The photocurrent–voltage (I–V) characteristics of DSSC were measured by a digital source meter under simulated solar light. The results indicated that the introduction of an ordered macroporous TiO₂ interfacial layer increased the photovoltaic conversion efficiency, which was improved by 68 % from 3.61 to 6.08 %, as compared to a device using a bare P25 TiO₂ photoanode. Our results showed that the hierarchically ordered macroporous TiO₂ bilayer films photoanode for DSSC could be helpful to improve the photovoltaic conversion efficiency.     

Enhancing photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell by rare-earth doped oxide of Lu2O3:(Tm, Yb)

In order to increase of the photocurrent, photovoltage and energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), rare-earth doped oxide of Lu₂O₃:(Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺) is prepared and introduced into the TiO₂ film in the DSSC. As a luminescence medium, Lu₂O₃:(Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺) improves incident light harvest via a conversion luminescence process and increases photocurrent; as a p-type dopant, the rare-earth ions elevate the energy level of the oxide film and increase the photovoltage. Under a simulated solar light irradiation of 100 mW cm⁻², the light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC with Lu₂O₃:(Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺) doping reaches 6.63%, which is increased by 11.1% compared to the DSSC without Lu₂O₃:(Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺) doping.     

TiO2–BaTiO3 nanocomposite for electron capture in dye‐sensitized solar cells

Different compositions of TiO₂–BaTiO₃ nanocomposites are synthesized with various weight ratios for dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. TiO₂ and BaTiO₃ nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by sol‐gel and solvothermal methods, respectively and are employed as the photoanode electrodes. BaTiO₃ NPs have pure cubic perovskite crystal structure with an average size of 20‐40 nm, while TiO₂ NPs show pure anatase phase with 15‐30 nm size. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) enhancement of the cells is first attained by controlling the thickness of the films for light harvesting improvement. The fabricated DSSC composed of pure BaTiO₃ NPs with an optimal thickness of 25 μm shows efficiency of 6.83%, whereas that made of pure TiO₂ NPs with 14 μm thickness has cell efficiency of 7.24%. Further improvement of cell efficiency is achieved by preparation of binary oxide nanocomposites using TiO₂ and BaTiO₃ NPs with various weight ratios. The highest PCE of 9.40% is obtained for the nanocomposite with TiO₂:BaTiO₃=85:15 (wt%). The enhancement is assigned to less recombination of photo‐generated electrons and higher incident photon to current conversion yield as a result of rapid charge collection and higher dye sensitization.     

Substantial reduction of leakage currents in La/Er/Zn/Ti multielement-doped BiFeO3 multiferroic thin films

Multi-element doping is an effective method to suppress the leakage of BiFeO₃ (BFO). A systematic study on the effect of various elements (La, Er, Zn, Ti) doping on the leakage performance, mechanism and other electrical properties of BFO films was performed As the kinds of doping elements increases, the leakage current density of the BFO film gradually decreases. The leakage current density is gradually reduced from 5.78 × 10^?2 A/cm² doped with one element (La) to 1.25 × 10^?2 A/cm² doped with two elements (La, Ti), 4.13 × 10^?3 A/cm² doped with three elements (La, Ti, Zn), and 4.53 × 10^?4 A/cm² doped with four elements (La, Er, Zn, Ti). Finally, compared with pure BFO films, the leakage current density in doped BFO films is reduced by two orders of magnitude. Moreover, the conduction mechanism in doped BFO films is gradually changed from space charge limited current to ohmic conduction. This work provides an effective method to ameliorate the leakage of ferroelectric materials and lays a foundation for the practical application of BFO-based films.     

Microwave photocatalysis III. Transition metal ion‐doped TiO2 thin films on mercury electrodeless discharge lamps: preparation,characterization and their effect on the photocatalytic degradation of mono‐chloroacetic acid and Rhodamine B

BACKGROUND: Mercury electrodeless discharge lamps (Hg‐EDLs) were used to generate UV radiation when exposed to a microwave field. EDLs were coated with doped TiO₂ in the form of thin films containing transition metal ions Mⁿ⁺ (M = Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn, Zr, Ag). Photocatalytic degradation of mono‐chloroacetic acid (MCAA) to HCl, CO₂, and H₂O, and decomposition of Rhodamine B on the thin films were investigated in detail. RESULTS: Polycrystalline thin doped TiO₂ films were prepared by dip‐coating of EDL via a sol–gel method using titanium n‐butoxide, acetylacetone, and a transition metal acetylacetonate. The films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microprobe analysis and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The photocatalytic activity of doped TiO₂ films was monitored in the decomposition of Rhodamine B in water. Compared with the pure TiO₂ film, the UV/Vis spectra of V, Zr and Ag‐doped TiO₂ showed significant absorption in the visible region, and hence the photocatalytic degradation of MCAA had increased. The best apparent degradation rate constant (0.0125 min^?1), which was higher than that on the pure TiO₂ film by a factor of 1.7, was obtained with the Ag(3%)/TiO₂ photocatalyst. The effect of doping level of vanadium acetylacetonate on the photocatalytic efficiency of the V‐doped TiO₂ was determined. CONCLUSIONS: Transition metal ion‐doped TiO₂ thin films showed significant absorption in the visible region. The metal doped TiO₂ photocatalyst (with an appropriate amount of V, Zr and Ag) on the Hg‐EDLs increased the degradation efficiency of MCAA in a microwave field. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimization of the dye-sensitized solar cell performance by mechanical compression

In this study, the P25 titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticle (NP) thin film was coated on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate by a doctor blade method. The film then compressed mechanically to be the photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Various compression pressures on TiO₂ NP film were tested to optimize the performance of DSSCs. The mechanical compression reduces TiO₂ inter-particle distance improving the electron transport efficiency. The UV–vis spectrophotometer and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to quantify the light-harvesting efficiency and the charge transport impedance at various interfaces in DSSC, respectively. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency was also monitored. The results show that when the DSSC fabricated by the TiO₂ NP thin film compressed at pressure of 279 kg/cm², the minimum resistance of 9.38 Ω at dye/TiO₂ NP/electrolyte interfaces, the maximum short-circuit photocurrent density of 15.11 mA/cm², and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of 5.94% were observed. Compared to the DSSC fabricated by the non-compression of TiO₂ NP thin film, the overall conversion efficiency is improved over 19.5%. The study proves that under suitable compression pressure the performance of DSSC can be optimized.     

Effect of nano‐TiO2 dispersion on PEO polymer electrolyte property

Polymer electrolyte membranes based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) doped with TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by simple solution cast technique. Mesoporous TiO₂ film was prepared by doctor‐blade method. The modified polymer membranes and the mesoporous films were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, ionic conductivity, and J‐V measurements. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have been fabricated in which PEO‐polymer electrolyte doped with and without nano‐TiO₂ were sandwiched between porous TiO₂ and counter electrodes. The DSSC with nano‐TiO₂ doped polymer electrolyte shows better performance (1.68%) in comparison with pristine polymer electrolyte (1.07%), which is due to improved ionic conductivity value in polymer electrolyte system by nano‐TiO₂ doping. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation of dye sensitized solar cell by using supercritical carbon dioxide drying

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) derived from TiO₂ aerogel film electrodes were fabricated. TiO₂ aerogels were obtained by using sol–gel method and supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO₂) drying. First, TiO₂ wet gels were obtained by sol-gel method. Then, the solvents in the TiO₂ wet gels were replaced by acetone. The TiO₂ aerogels were obtained by using sc-CO₂ drying from the TiO₂ wet gels. The conditions of sc-CO₂ drying were at 313, 323 K and 7.8–15.5 MPa. The electrodes with TiO₂ aerogel films were obtained by deposition of the aerogels on glass substrates. The electrodes with TiO₂ aerogel films and a commercial particle film of various thickness were obtained by repetitive coatings and calcinations. The amount of dye adsorbed on the TiO₂ films with sc-CO₂ drying was higher than that of commercial particle film. The amount of dye adsorbed on the TiO₂ films increased with increasing surface area of the TiO₂ film. DSSCs were assembled by using the TiO₂ aerogel film electrodes and their current–voltage performance was measured. The power performance of DSSC made by supercritical drying was higher than that of commercial particles. The DSSC with the film electrode made at 313 K and 15.5 MPa showed the best power performance (J_sc = 7.30 mA/cm², V_oc = 772 mV, η = 3.28%).     

Electrophoretic deposition of TiO2 film on titanium foil for a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method is employed to obtain mesoporous TiO₂ film on a titanium (Ti) foil; the film is then mechanically compressed and sintered at 350 °C before being subjected to dyeing. A comprehensive study was made on the mechanistic aspects of the EPD process. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using the thus formed TiO₂ film rendered a power conversion efficiency (Eff.) of 6.5%. Effects of various compression pressures on the photovoltaic parameters and on other characteristic parameters of the pertinent DSSCs are studied. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is applied for the first time, using a novel equivalent model, to study the impedance behavior of the DSSC with this type of TiO₂ film. We also obtain characteristic parameters of the TiO₂ photoanode by using EIS. The coordination number of the TiO₂ film, and the ratio of charge transfer resistances of electron recombination and electron transport are also obtained and analyzed. Moreover, we employ a multilayer approach and increase the film thickness to prepare TiO₂ films with the same coordination number and porosity; DSSCs using such TiO₂ films obtained from P90 and P25 rendered efficiencies of 6.5% and 5.24%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs are obtained to characterize the TiO₂ films formed by the EPD technique and laser-induced transient technique is used to estimate the electron lifetime in the TiO₂ films.     

Synthesis and electron irradiation modification of anatase TiO2 with different morphologies

Anatase TiO₂ samples with three different morphologies were successfully prepared by the solvothermal method, and their photoelectric properties were tested. The mixed anatase TiO₂ demonstrated the best photoelectrochemical water splitting performance with a photocurrent density of 0.84 mA/cm² (1.23V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), carrier concentration of 1.29 × 10²² cm^-3, and interface resistance of 29.20 Ω. Further, the anatase TiO₂ samples with different morphologies were doped with nitrogen ions by electron beam irradiation in order to modify the defect concentration in these samples. Among them, the photocurrent density of mixed anatase TiO₂ irradiated by 100 kGy obtained the highest current density at 0.99 mA/cm² (1.23 V vs. RHE). Moreover, its carrier concentration reached 2.46 × 10²² cm^-3 and interface resistance was reduced to 11.24 Ω. The photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ with different morphologies and the effects of irradiation and nitrogen doping on the properties of the samples were investigated.     

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone aided preparation of TiO2 films used in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is introduced to low temperature preparation of a good quality TiO₂ film used in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis absorption spectra, the photovoltaic performance of the DSSC is measured. It is found that PVP can improve the dispersion of TiO₂ particles and the adherence of TiO₂ particles to flexible substrate, as well as the adsorption of sensitized dye to TiO₂ film. Additionally, ultraviolet light irradiation can eliminate organics remained on the surface the TiO₂ film and improve the surface state of TiO₂ film. Under an optimal condition, a flexible DSSC using TiO₂ film doped PVP and UV irradiation treated achieves a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 3.02% under irradiation with a simulate solar light intensity of 100 mW cm⁻².     

Mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> microspheres synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method for dye sensitized solar cell applications

Mesoporous TiO₂ microspheres were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process and the obtained product was sintered at 450 °C. The sintered TiO₂ powder was characterised by powder X-ray diffraction pattern and the result shows pure anatase phase with good crystalline nature. The morphological image of field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy shows spherical shape and size of the particles is around 100 to 300 nm. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of synthesized TiO₂ material was 56.32 m² g^?1 and average pore width of synthesized materials was 7.1 and 9.3 nm. Bimodal pore structure of TiO₂ microspheres has been very effective for electrolyte diffusion into photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells. The synthesized anatase TiO₂ microsphere based dye sensitized solar cells have high surface area with light scattering effect to enhance the photocurrent and conversion efficiency than the commercial P25 photoanode material. The power conversion efficiency of synthesized mesoporous TiO₂ microspheres and commercial P25 material is 4.2 and 2.7 % respectively. Therefore bimodal mesoporous anatase TiO₂ microsphere appears to be a promising and potential candidate for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) application.     

Control of refractive index by annealing to achieve high figure of merit for TiO2/Ag/TiO2 multilayer films

We modified the refractive index (n) of TiO₂ by annealing at various temperatures to obtain a high figure of merit (FOM) for TiO₂/Ag/TiO₂ (45 nm/17 nm/45 nm) multilayer films deposited on glass substrates. Unlike the as-deposited and 300 °C-annealed TiO₂ films, the 600 °C-annealed sample was crystallized in the anatase phase. The as-deposited TiO₂/Ag/as-deposited TiO₂ multilayer film exhibited a transmittance of 94.6% at 550 nm, whereas that of the as-deposited TiO₂/Ag/600 °C-annealed TiO₂ (lower) multilayer film was 96.6%. At 550 nm, n increased from 2.293 to 2.336 with increasing temperature. The carrier concentration, mobility, and sheet resistance varied with increasing annealing temperature. The samples exhibited smooth surfaces with a root-mean-square roughness of 0.37–1.09 nm. The 600 °C-annealed multilayer yielded the highest Haacke's FOM of 193.9×10⁻³ Ω⁻¹.     

Structural,electrical and optical properties of molybdenum-doped TiO2 thin films

Molybdenum doped TiO₂ (MTO) thin films were prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at room temperature and followed by a heat treatment in a reductive atmosphere containing 90% N₂ and 10% H₂. XRD and FESEM were employed to evaluate the microstructure of the MTO films, revealing that the addition of molybdenum enhances the crystallization and increases the grain size of TiO₂ films. The optimal electrical properties of the MTO films were obtained with 3 wt% Mo doping, producing a resistivity of 1.1×10^?3 Ω cm, a carrier density of 9.7×10²⁰ cm^?3 and a mobility of 5.9 cm²/Vs. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of MTO films were also measured as a function of film porosity. The optical band gap of the MTO films ranged from 3.28 to 3.36 eV, which is greater than that of the un-doped TiO₂ film. This blue shift of approximately 0.14 eV was attributed to the Burstein–Moss effect.     

Tunable multiferroic properties of Mn substituted BiFeO3 thin films

The current study explored the influence of Mn substitution on the electrical and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) thin films synthesized using low cost chemical solution deposition technique. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that pure rhombohedral phase of BiFeO₃ was transformed to the tetragonal structure with P4mm symmetry on Mn substitution. A leakage current density of 5.7×10⁻⁴ A/cm² which is about two orders of magnitude lower than pure BFO was observed in 3% Mn doped BFO thin film at an external electric field >400 kV/cm. A well saturated (p-E) loops with saturation polarization (P_sat) and remanent polarization (2P_r) as high as 60.34 µC/cm² and 25.06 µC/cm² were observed in 10% Mn substituted BFO thin films. An escalation in dielectric tunability (n_r), figure of merit (K) and quality factor (Q) were observed in suitable Mn doped BFO thin films. The magnetic measurement revealed that Mn substituted BFO thin films showed a large saturation magnetization compared to pure BFO thin film. The highest saturation ~31 emu/cc was observed for 3% Mn substituted BFO thin films.     

Effect of compressed TiO2 nanoparticle thin film thickness on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles as photoanode. Photoanode thin films were prepared by doctor blading method with 420 kg/cm² of mechanical compression process and heat treatment in the air at 500°C for 30 min. The optimal thickness of the TiO₂ NP photoanode is 26.6 μm with an efficiency of 9.01% under AM 1.5G illumination at 100 mW/cm². The efficiency is around two times higher than that of conventional DSSCs with an uncompressed photoanode. The open-circuit voltage of DSSCs decreases as the thickness increases. One DSSC (sample D) has the highest conversion efficiency while it has the maximum short-circuit current density. The results indicate that the short-circuit current density is a compromise between two conflict factors: enlargement of the surface area by increasing photoanode thickness and extension of the electron diffusion length to the electrode as the thickness increases.     

Novel energy-saving window coating based on F doped TiO2 nanocrystals with enhanced NIR shielding performance

To reduce the energy consumption of cooling in the hot summer days, searching for novel NIR shielding materials for buildings is of great value. In this report, monodispersed F doped TiO₂ nanocrystals with an average size of 8.6 nm were synthesized as novel solar shielding materials for energy-saving windows. All the products adopted an anatase TiO₂ structure. After doping of F ions, the morphology of TiO₂ was transformed from an irregular shape to a pseudospherical shape. The Raman shift and XPS depth analysis confirmed the successful doping of F⁻ ions into the lattice oxygen sites in the TiO₂ structure. The introduction of F⁻ ions generated free electrons and bulk Ti³⁺ in TiO₂ crystals, which activated a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption in the NIR region. Correspondingly, the NIR shielding performance of the TiO₂ films improved with increasing F doping amounts. The NIR shielding value of the films increased from 1.3% to 43.2% when the molar ratio of F to Ti increased from 0 to 0.3. The reason can be attributed to the enhanced NIR absorption induced by the increased electron concentration after doping of fluorine ions. The F–TiO₂ films showed superior visible transmittance (90.1–96.7%). Moreover, the F–TiO₂ films lowered the indoor temperature of the heat box by 5.3 °C in the thermal tests. Overall, the prepared F–TiO₂ nanocrystals show a great potential to be used for energy-saving windows.     

Preparation and characterization of transparent indium- doped TiO2 films deposited by MOCVD

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films doped with different indium (In) concentrations have been prepared on SrTiO₃ (STO) substrates by high vacuum metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the TiO₂ films doped with low In concentrations to be [001] oriented anatase phase and the films with high In concentrations to present polycrystalline structures. The 1.8% In-doped TiO₂ film exhibited the best electrical conductivity properties with the lowest resistivity of 8.68×10⁻² Ω cm, a Hall mobility of 10.9 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and a carrier concentration of 6.5×10¹⁸ cm⁻³. The films showed excellent transparency with average transmittances of over 85% in the visible range.     

Fabrication of highly efficient TiO2/Ag/TiO2 multilayer transparent conducting electrode with N ion implantation for optoelectronic applications

Fabrication of highly conductive and transparent TiO₂/Ag/TiO₂ (referred hereafter as TAT) multilayer films with nitrogen implantation is reported. In the present work, TAT films were fabricated with a total thickness of 100 nm by sputtering on glass substrates at room temperature. The as-deposited films were implanted with 40 keV N ions for different fluences (1×10¹⁴, 5×10¹⁴, 1×10¹⁵, 5×10¹⁵ and 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm²). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of N⁺ implantation on the optical and electrical properties of TAT multilayer films. X-ray diffraction of TAT films shows an amorphous TiO₂ film with a crystalline peak assigned to Ag (111) diffraction plane. The surface morphology studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed smooth and uniform top layer of the sandwich structure. The surface roughness of pristine film was 1.7 nm which increases to 2.34 nm on implantation for 1×10¹⁴ ions/cm² fluence. Beyond this fluence, the roughness decreases. The oxide/metal/oxide structure exhibits an average transmittance ~80% for pristine and ~70% for the implanted film at fluence of 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm² in the visible region. The electrical resistivity of the pristine sample was obtained as 2.04×10⁻⁴ Ω cm which is minimized to 9.62×10⁻⁵ Ω cm at highest fluence. Sheet resistance of TAT films decreased from 20.4 to 9.62 Ω/□ with an increase in fluence. Electrical and optical parameters such as carrier concentration, carrier mobility, absorption coefficient, band gap, refractive index and extinction coefficient have been calculated for the pristine and implanted films to assess the performance of films. The TAT multilayer film with fluence of 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm² showed maximum Haacke figure of merit (FOM) of 5.7×10⁻³ Ω⁻¹. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of N 1s and Ti 2p spectra revealed that substitutional implantation of nitrogen into the TiO₂ lattice added new electronic states just above the valence band which is responsible for the narrowing of band gap resulting in the enhancement in electrical conductivity. This study reports that fabrication of multilayer transparent conducting electrode with nitrogen implantation that exhibits superior electrical and optical properties and hence can be an alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for futuristic TCE applications in optoelectronic devices.