Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline ITO thin films on glass and clay substrates by ion-beam sputter deposition method

► The as-prepared TiO2 thin film by anodization method is amorphous. ► The amorphous TiO2 can be changed into anatase phase after heat treatment in the range of 400-500 °C. ► Polymer substrates cannot withstand heat up to 450 °C, but the clay substrate can withstand heat up to 460 °C. ► The aim of this work is preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline ITO thin films on transparent flexible clay substrates for flexible dye sensitized solar cell application.