Cu-Ag core-shell nanowire transparent conducting film with enhanced oxidation stability

Abstract

The transparent electrode film is a thin film layer composed of optically transparent and conductive material, and is applied to various applications such as organic light emitting diodes, wearable devices, and touch screens. At present, metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) are widely used as materials for transparent electrode films, but they are disadvantageous in that they are expensive and are not flexible enough to be used in applications where flexible elements or mechanical shocks are continuously received. Therefore, copper nanowires that are flexible and have low process costs as next-generation materials are being studied. However, copper nanowires have low resistance to oxidation, so that the network between wires and wires is not well formed, resulting in deterioration of electrical and optical characteristics and poor durability. In this paper, we have conducted research to improve the electrical and optical properties of copper nanowires to a level that can be commercialized by completely removing the oxide layer formed on the surface of the copper nanowires by a post - treatment method using acetic acid and forming a smooth network. In addition, a transparent electrode film having excellent oxidation resistance has been developed by synthesizing a thin and uniform silver shell on the surface of the copper nanowire.