Indium oxide overlayer

Figure 8. Overall description of the acetic acid catalyzed reconstruction of a defect containing indium oxide overlayer on indium (20)...

Another interesting and different type of catalysis is involved in the catalyzed reconstruction of an indium oxide overlayer on indium. This study was alluded to earlier in the discussion of acetate ion species formed on indium oxide by chemisorption from several torr of acetic acid gas. At low partial pressures of acetic acid (<< 0.1 torr) the reversible adsorption of acetic acid catalyzes the reconstruction of a thin ( 10-15A), porous indium oxide overlayer to a defect-free (no pin holes) film as judged by pinhole sensitive tunnel junction measurements. Some clues as to the mechanism were obtained from IR plus Auger and electron loss spectroscopy as well as ellipsometry measurements. The overall process is shown in Fig. 8. This is an example where processes in the substrate themselves can be usefully catalyzed. 

These cells do not rely on a traditional p-n junction to separate photo-generated charge carriers. Polymer cell materials used include polyester (PET) foil, indium tin oxide (ITO) film, polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), and aluminum. Nanocrystalline cells use thin film materials and are overlayed on a supporting matrix of conductive polymer or mesoporous metal oxide. 

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