Bimetallic Pt–Ni Two-Dimensional Interconnected Networks: Developing Self-Assembled Materials for Transparent Electronics

Abstract

Continuous advancements in science and technology in the field of flexible devices encourage researchers to dedicate themselves to seeking candidates for new flexible transparent conductive films (FTCFs). Our recently developed two-dimensional (2D) metal aerogels are considered as a new class of FTCFs. Here, we describe a new large-scale self-assembly synthesis of bimetallic Pt–Ni 2D metal aerogels with controllable morphology during the synthesis. The obtained 2D aerogels require only a low quantity of precursors for the synthesis of percolating nanoscale networks with areas of up to 6 cm2 without the need of an additional drying step. Stacks of the obtained monolayer structures display low sheet resistances (down to 270 Ω/sq), while decreasing the optical transparency. In perspective, the 2D bimetallic Pt–Ni aerogels not only enrich the structural diversity of metal aerogels but also bring forth new materials for further applications in flexible electronics and electrocatalysis with reduced costs of production.