Welded silver nanowire networks as high-performance transparent conductive electrodes: Welding techniques and device applications

Abstract

Owing to the combined advantages of superior optical transmittance and excellent flexibility, low-cost silver nanowire networks (Ag-NNs) are considered as the promising candidates to replace brittle and cost-ineffective indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes. Moreover, Ag-NNs are also the best alternative to compensate low-yield and high-cost carbon nanotubes and graphene-based electrodes. However, the high contact resistance among Ag nanowires can result in deterioration of the electrical performance. A variety of strategies have been conducted to mitigate this problem, in an attempt to obtain high-quality Ag-NNs. This review summarizes recent advanced techniques to weld Ag-NNs, i.e., light-induced welding, heat-induced welding, capillary-force-induced welding and chemical welding. The sheet resistance of Ag-NNs can be significantly reduced without sacrificing the high transparency and superior flexibility of Ag-NNs, thereby exhibiting great potential to replace ITO for advanced wearable semiconductor applications.