Solution Process Fabrication of Silver Nanowire Composite Transparent Conductive Films with Tunable Work Function

Abstract

Solution processed silver nanowire transparent conductive films (AgNW TCFs) have attracted substantial attention for various devices, and optoelectrical properties, surface roughness and work function are major issues affecting commercial applications. In this work, work function tunable AgNW-metal oxide composite TCFs (AgNW composite TCFs) were fabricated by filling AgNW networks with ZnO and Au/MoO3 thin films respectively. The introduction of nanoparticle constructed ZnO thin film as an electron transport layer decreases the work function from 3.82 eV of pristine AgNW TCFs to 2.76 eV due to the charges transport between AgNWs and ZnO nanoparticles, while the Au/MoO3 thin film as a hole injection layer increases the work function to 4.46 eV. The work function tunable AgNW composite TCFs show excellent optoelectronic properties with a sheet resistance of 17 Ω/sq and a transmittance of about 90%. Conductive metal oxides and metal nanoparticles filling the holes of AgNW networks improve the rough surface, uneven electronic field and chemical durability especially for better operating time and stability of organic optoelectrical devices, and provide a simple strategy for regulating the performance of AgNW TCFs.