Conducting Transparent Thin Films Based on Silver Nanowires and Graphene-Oxide Flakes

Abstract

Transparent conducting thin films composed of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and graphene-oxide (GO) flakes were formed on glass substrates by using drop-casting and dipping processes. The conductivity of the thin films with Ag NWs was enhanced due to the embedded GO flakes. The sheet resistance and the transmittance of the GO-treated Ag NWs were improved to about 50 Ω/sq and 93% in comparison with those of the Ag NWs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra showed that the increase in the conductivity of the Ag NWs due to GO treatment was attributable to shifts in the Ag 3d peaks toward lower binding energies. The chemical state of the Ag atoms in the Ag NWs changed from a metallic-silver state to a silver-oxide state due to the GO treatment, and the nitrogen atoms at the edges of the GO flakes permeated inside the GO flakes. The conductivity of the transparent thin films consisting of Ag NWs and GO flakes increased due to the formation of the quaternary nitrogen in the GO flakes.