Characterization of Silver Nanowire Flexible Transparent Electrode with Grid Pattern Formed via Thermocompression

Abstract

In this study, we present a new and simple method that utilizes post-processing such as thermal treatment and mechanical compression to manufacture a grid patterned silver nanowire (AgNW) flexible transparent electrode with low sheet resistance, high transmittance, and high flexibility. The effects of thermal treatment and mechanical compression on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of AgNW deposited by bar coating have been analyzed as a function of temperature and pressure. It was discovered that there is a critical thermal treatment temperature (T-c) that determined the abrupt change-decreasing, then rapidly increasing-in the sheet resistance of AgNW. When additional pressure was applied during thermal treatment, T-c was lowered. The cohesion between AgNW wires was improved by thermal treatment below T-c, and further strengthened when pressure was applied simultaneously with heat. However, when thermal treatment was performed above T-c, the unique wire structure of AgNW collapsed. It has also been found that heat treatment and mechanical compression improve the flexibility of AgNW.