Ag-fiber/graphene hybrid electrodes for highly flexible and transparent optoelectronic devices

Yooji Hwang,Ji-Weon Kim,Kwang Wook Choi,Byeong-Kwon Ju,Junhee Choi,Ha Hwang,Jin-Woo Lee,Jae Geun Kim,Wanghoon Lee

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-62056-1

Abstract

Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) have attracted considerable attention towards the development of flexible optoelectronic devices. In this study, mixed-dimensional TCEs are fabricated based on the two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional electrospun metal fiber that can address the shortcomings of each electrode. In comparison with other TCEs, the Ag fiber/graphene hybrid electrodes exhibited a highly stable morphology (67% lower peak-to-valley ratio), low sheet resistance (approximately 11 Ω/sq), high transmittance (approximately 94%), high oxidation stability with excellent flexibility, and outstanding chemical stability. The multiple functionalities of the transparent and flexible hybrid structure highlight its potential for applications in emerging electronics and highly stable optoelectronics.

Highlights

Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) have attracted considerable attention towards the development of flexible optoelectronic devices
Ag-fiber/graphene hybrid electrodes; the electrodes were fabricated by wet-etching the Ag thin film, which was not covered by a polystyrene (PS) fiber mask, and subsequently by wet-transferring the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene on the Ag fiber electrodes
The 2D-to-G intensity ratio was larger than 1 and there was no D band, showing the presence of disordered structure, around 1,350 cm−1. This result confirms that the wet-transfer of CVD monolayer graphene onto the Ag fiber electrodes was successful without any damage[27]

Summary

Introduction

Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) have attracted considerable attention towards the development of flexible optoelectronic devices. The ITO electrode has fatal shortcomings, and its strain values are significantly low (approximately 1.1%), rendering it unsuitable for use as an electrode for emerging optoelectronic devices It has a high refractive index, and it requires a high vacuum and high-temperature deposition which makes ITO unsuitable for roll-to-roll manufacturing[6]. Numerous studies on metal networks have been conducted and their applications[14,15] have been stimulated owing to their excellent electrical properties (10 Ω/sq), high optical transmittance (approximately 90%), and high strain value (approximately 11%), compared to ITO These 1D metal networks do not require a high vacuum and high-temperature deposition process, which could be implemented in a roll-to-roll manufacturing[16].

Methods

Results

Conclusion