Room-temperature processing of silver submicron fiber mesh for flexible electronics

Abstract

Ultrathin, patterned, conducting metallic fibers have been extensively studied as building blocks in flexible electronics. However, their scalable processing and attainment of patterns at room temperature is challenging. In this paper, we report on the patterning of ultra-long silver submicron fibers as woven mesh through the process of continuous draw spinning in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) treatment. The silver fibers can be directly intertwined on flexible substrates, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide (PI). The as obtained silver submicron fiber mesh present excellent photoelectric properties (T = 90%, R = 9 Ω sq−1) and outstanding flexibility and can be easily transferred on other surfaces. To demonstrate its application, flexible electrochromic smart window and infrared stealth film have been prepared.