Characterization of Silver Nanowire-Based Transparent Electrodes Obtained Using Different Drying Methods.

Jongbok Kim,Seo Bum Chu,Sungjin Jo,Dongwook Ko,Hyeon-Ju Oh,Dong Choon Hyun,Jinwook Jung

doi:10.3390/nano12030461

Abstract

Metal-based transparent top electrodes allow electronic devices to achieve transparency, thereby expanding their application range. Silver nanowire (AgNW)-based transparent electrodes can function as transparent top electrodes, owing to their excellent conductivity and transmittance. However, they require a high-temperature drying process, which damages the bottom functional layers. Here, we fabricated two types of AgNW-based electrodes using the following three drying methods: thermal, room-temperature, and vacuum. Thereafter, we investigated the variation in their morphological, electrical, and optical characteristics as a function of the drying method and duration. When the AgNW-exposed electrode was dried at room temperature, it exhibited a high surface roughness and low conductivity, owing to the slow solvent evaporation. However, under vacuum, it exhibited a similar electrical conductivity to that achieved by thermal drying because of the decreased solvent boiling point and fast solvent evaporation. Conversely, the AgNW-embedded electrodes exhibited similar roughness values and electrical conductivities regardless of the drying method applied. This was because the polymer shrinkage during the AgNW embedding process generated capillary force and improved the interconnectivity between the nanowires. The AgNW-based electrodes exhibited similar optical properties regardless of the drying method and electrode type. This study reveals that vacuum drying can afford transparent top electrodes without damaging functional layers.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilGenerally, electronic devices are fabricated by the sequential stacking of functional layers, different materials are employed depending on the device type
Electronic devices are fabricated by the sequential stacking of functional layers, different materials are employed depending on the device type
We investigated the properties of application range. Silver nanowire (AgNW)-based transparent electrodes as a function of the applied drying method

Summary

Introduction

Electronic devices are fabricated by the sequential stacking of functional layers, different materials are employed depending on the device type. Many scholars investigated the effect of modifying the functional layer characteristics on the final properties of electronic devices. Numerous studies have examined the phenomena occurring at the interface between functional materials and the approach to maximize the final properties through the optimization of the entire device [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Numerous researchers have attempted to fabricate functional materials in various shapes to increase their application range [7,8,9]. To further expand the application range of electronic devices, the transparency property is essential.

Methods

Results

Conclusion