Flexible transparent electrodes based on silver nanowires synthesized via a simple method

Abstract

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) with the length of approximately 60 µm and the diameter of approximately 300 nm are prepared via a simple, cost-effective, high-yield and eco-friendly procedure under a high molar concentration ratio of silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution to poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) solution. The pre-synthesized Ag NWs were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV– visible spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the as-prepared silver nanowires were roll-coated on the surfaces of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. By optimizing the concentration of silver nanowire solution, the flexible Ag NW/PET transparent electrodes with a sheet resistance of 3.8 Ω sq−1 at a transmittance of 70% can be fabricated. The results reported in this paper provide a basis for optimizing the growth of silver nanowires and performances of transparent electrodes.