Researchers at the Technical University Eindhoven may have found a material to replace indium tin oxideITO currently used for television screens, telephones, solar cells and laptops. The discovery is significant because indium is a rare metal and natural reserves are expected to run out in around ten years' time.

The replacement material is a transparent, conducting film produced in water, and based on electrically conducting carbon nanotubes and plastic nanoparticles. The components used are commonly found and environmentally friendly and do not require the use of heavy metals. The film can also be used for flexible screens.

The multi-disciplinary team which developed the conductive film was led by theoretical physicist Paul van der Schoot and polymer chemist Cor Koning. A paper on their discovery was published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology on Sunday.

©