All-spray multilayer transparent electrode based on Ag nanowires: improved adhesion and thermal/chemical stability

Abstract

All-solution-processed multilayer ZnO/Ag NWs/ZnO/PVP/PVA composite is introduced as a transparent conductive film (TCF) for optoelectronic applications. Unlike conventional film formation methods that impose high investment expenses, scalable spray coating is applied over the layers using a hand-made spray apparatus. The resulting TCF exhibits high transmittance (T, 86% at 550 nm) and low sheet resistance (Rs, 6 Ω/sq), which is comparable to the sputtered counterparts. The bending test demonstrates the flexibility of the multilayer TCF with no noticeable increase in Rs, even after 1500 bending iterations. Moreover, chemical stability test (exposure to a corrosive agent) and adhesion examination confirm the capability of the fabricated TCF. Furthermore, the electrode is also thermally stable in heat up to 280 °C and is resistant against oxidation, as Rs remains almost unchanged after keeping the electrode in normal atmospheric condition for 200 days. The all-solution-processed electrode demonstrates desirable performance as a transparent electrode and potential to be applied in different optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.