New generation of transparent electrodes are expected to exhibit three main physical properties: high electrical conductivity, high transparency and mechanical flexibility. The most efficient and widely used transparent conducting material is currently indium tin oxide (ITO). However the indium scarcity associated to the lack of flexibility of ITO as well as relatively high cost of fabrication has prompted the search for alternative materials. Among emerging transparent electrodes (TE), silver nanowire (NW) networks appear as a promising substitute since they exhibit excellent properties with sheet resistance of a few Ω/sq at optical transparency of 90%, fulfilling the requirements for many applications. In addition, the fabrication of these electrodes involves low-temperature processes which renders this technology very promising.<br/>In this communication, we will first present results on the synthesis and on the purification process of silver nanowires. Then, after fabrication of homogeneous random networks, specific characterizations performed to understand the physical phenomena taking place at the scales of the NW-to-NW junctions (nanoscale) up to the entire network (macroscale) will be presented. In-situ electrical measurements performed during optimisation processes provide useful information regarding the activation process of the nanojunctions. At the network’s scale, our ability to distinguish the nanowires taking part in the electrical conduction (“electrical percolation”) from the inactive nanowires is a critical advance for the applications. A discrete activation process of efficient percolating pathways through the network was evidenced and a precise mapping of the heating areas was performed. Finally, we will show efficient use of the film heaters at the macroscale to demonstrate the integration from the nanoscale to useful macroscopic devices.

Silver nanowire networks for transparent film heaters: Synthesis, nanoscale characterization and integration in functional devices

255th National Meeting (2018)

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