Electrically sintered silver nanowire networks for use as transparent electrodes and heaters

Abstract

Transparent conducting flexible electrodes composed of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated. We describe a simple spraying method that was used to obtain the Ag NW networks, which were subsequently subjected to electrical sintering to ensure good welding where the Ag NWs overlap. This fast and simple process resulted in Ag NW networks that exhibited a two-fold reduction in sheet resistance (Rs) when compared with pristine Ag NW networks. The composite films had a Rs below 60 ohm/sq, >86% transparency over the visible spectrum, and no observable degradation after two months. Additionally, the good thermal conductivity of the metallic silver within the composite films allowed them to be used as effective transparent heaters.