Communication—Ag NW Networks Enhanced by Ni Electroplating for Flexible Transparent Electrodes

Abstract

Nanomaterials based flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) are important components of flexible electronics. However, the contact resistance is the major challenge for low-dimensional materials application in FTEs. In this paper, Ni@Ag NW networks are successfully prepared by a facile chronopotentiometry method, which could improve the electrical and mechanical property of Ag NW networks for FTEs. During the electroplating, the Ni layers are selectively deposited on the nanowire surfaces and junctions, producing robust Ag NW networks with a low sheet resistance (12 Ω·sq−1) and high transparency (85%). Moreover, the Ni covered Ag NW network exhibits excellent vibration stability in the ultrasonic test.