Flexible Transparent Conductive Film Based on Random Networks of Silver Nanowires.

Hui Xie,Dexi Du,Yuehui Wang,Yuzhen Zhao,Xing Yang

doi:10.3390/mi9060295

Abstract

We synthesized silver nanowires (AgNWs) with a mean diameter of about 120 nm and 20–70 μm in length using a polyol process. The flexible transparent conductive AgNWs films were prepared using the vacuum filtration-transferring process, in which random AgNWs networks were transferred to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate after being deposited on mixed cellulose esters (MCEs). Furthermore, the photoelectric and mechanical properties of the AgNWs films were studied. The scanning electron microscopy images show that the AgNWs randomly, uniformly distribute on the surface of the PET substrate, which indicates that the AgNWs structure was preserved well after the transfer process. The film with 81% transmittance at 550 nm and sheet resistance about 130 Ω·sq−1 can be obtained. It is sufficient to be used as a flexible transparent conductive film. However, the results of the bending test and tape test show that the adhesion of AgNWs and PET substrate is poor, because the sheet resistance of film increases during the bending test and tape test. The 0.06 W LED lamp with a series fixed on the surface of the AgNWs-PET electrode with conductive adhesive was luminous, and it was still luminous after bent.

Highlights

There is increasing demand for suitable flexible transparent conductive materials due to the emergence of flexible plastic devices and the scarcity of indium resources
Critical issues still exist that need to be addressed for the large scale application of AgNWs networks electrodes: (1) the low adhesion between AgNWs and the bare substrate; (2) the large contact resistance across the silver wire-wire junction [9–17]
The removal of the insulating layer covered on the surface of the nanowires, or pressure treatment or heat treatment, can improve contact resistance across the silver wire-wire junction [10,13,14]

Summary

Introduction

There is increasing demand for suitable flexible transparent conductive materials due to the emergence of flexible plastic devices and the scarcity of indium resources. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) utilized for fabricating flexible transparent conducting films (FTCFs) for flexible electronics and transparent heaters have attracted significant attention for their excellent mechanical, optical, thermal, and electrical properties [1–8]. Critical issues still exist that need to be addressed for the large scale application of AgNWs networks electrodes: (1) the low adhesion between AgNWs and the bare substrate; (2) the large contact resistance across the silver wire-wire junction [9–17].

Results

Conclusion