I want to etch my FTO substrate to fabricate multiple photovoltaic cell on single substrate. I want to know the best possible procedure for the controlled etching of FTO.
Following the answer from Onno, you can define the area to protect from etching with something that is not water soluble. For instance, nail polish. You can paint the area to protect and remove it afterwards with acetone.
Used Zinc powder etch ITO before. FTO is thicker and more rough. Just make sure the cell area is fully protected like Andres suggested.
Hello Asad,
In order to etch FTO you will need to mask off an area this can be done with photoresists, or tape, or anything that is resistant to the etching solution. Once you have masked off the area you don't want to etch coat the surface in zinc powder and add hydrochloric acid (2M) to the surface. Once the reaction has ended clean away the HCl and Zinc and remove the mask. There is a guide and video that can be found in the link below that is very helpful!
https://www.ossila.com/products/fto-glass-unpatterned#FTO-Glass-Etch
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