The concept of Transparent Electronics emerged with the pioneering INVISIBLE ERC Advanced Grant, an interdisciplinary research project led by Professor Elvira Fortunato. Its goal was to develop a new class of electronic components based on sustainable, non-toxic metal oxide (MO) semiconductors, aimed at producing a novel generation of fully transparent electronic devices and circuits, adaptable to both rigid and flexible substrates. Recognized by the European Research Council (ERC) as a success story in 2011, the INVISIBLE project was further acknowledged with the Horizon Impact Award in 2020 and more recently, in 2024 as a scientific breakthrough during the ERC’s ex-post peer-review evaluation. This cutting-edge research has driven innovative advancements across multi-billion-dollar industries, such as ink-jet printing and medical smart diagnostics, where the potential applications are still unfolding. Most notably, in collaboration with SAMSUNG, the team developed the world’s first transparent display, which is now being commercialized by the display companies using organic light emitting diode technology. Some examples are Samsung Electronics (South Korea); LG Display (South Korea); BOE Technology (China); AU Optronics (Taiwan); Universal Display Corporation (US), and Tianma Microelectronics (China).
In fact, the INVISIBLE project led by Professor Elvira Fortunato marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronics, transitioning from science fiction to science fact. Over 15 years in the making, this groundbreaking research has set the stage for a more sustainable, efficient, and integrated future, where technology seamlessly blends into everyday life, enhancing safety, performance, and eco-consciousness across industries.
The impact of transparent electronics has been profound across three main areas: scientific, technological, and economic. Scientifically, the project has led to a transformative shift in materials science, offering a deeper understanding of the structure, physics, and chemistry of MO semiconductors. Nowadays the use of MO semiconductors is crossing different areas with emphasis on energy, biomedical applications and microelectronics. Backed by sophisticated modelling, this knowledge has enabled the creation of innovative material platforms, unlocking their multifunctional properties across various sectors. Beyond display technologies, transparent electronics have paved the way for advancements in UV detectors, biosensors, electrochromic transistors, integrated on-glass electronics, and flexible electronics. These breakthroughs are set to revolutionize sectors like Energy, ICT, Medical, Packaging, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Food, Security, and Environment. The scientific community’s enthusiasm is reflected in the more than 34,000 published papers on transparent electronics, firmly establishing it as a “hot topic.” This project allowed the Associate Laboratory i3N research team in this area, to be consolidated, as well as providing the laboratory with scientific equipment. This has allowed the group to project itself internationally in the field of transparent electronics.
Technologically, the promise of MO-based electronics is reshaping industry standards, prompting many companies to invest in these materials and devices. The pursuit of transparency in glass-based integrated electronics, as well as flexibility, wireless connectivity, and self-sustaining electronics in polymers or on paper, is driving innovation. A pivotal factor has been the development of new processing technologies for multifunctional MO semiconductors, enabling a wide range of printed electronic devices. These include smart displays and interactive placards, fuelling the rapid growth of the flexible electronics market.
Economically, the transparent electronics market is poised for explosive growth. Valued at USD 2.15 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach USD 4.75 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.6%. This impressive growth trajectory is driven not only by the rising demand for transparent devices but also by a commitment to sustainability. As the world embraces eco-friendly materials and technologies, transparent electronics are positioned to play a critical role in global green initiatives. The automotive industry is a prime example of how transparent electronics intersect with real-world applications. By integrating see-through displays directly into vehicle windshields, manufacturers are enhancing road safety, offering drivers real-time information that could be lifesaving in critical situations. This innovation, unifying electronics with everyday objects, is expected to expand the electronics market tenfold.
In addition, advances in transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are opening new frontiers in energy conversion efficiency. These developments promise to not only boost solar energy efficiency but also enable the creation of smart windows that automatically adjust transparency based on environmental changes like heat or light.
Transparent electronics, with its potential to redefine entire sectors, stands as a beacon of what is possible when innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
The ERC grant was very important to my scientific career as I consolidated a new area with international recognition. This project has also helped to put Portugal on the science map and has given visibility to the role of women in science.
Elvira Fortunato