Joule Heating of Metallic Nanowire Random Network for Transparent Heater Applications

Abstract

Silver nanowire random networks are promising candidates for replacing indium tin oxide (ITO) as transparent and conductive electrodes. They can also be used as transparent heating films with self-cleaning and defogging properties. By virtue of the Joule heating effect, silver nanowire random networks can be heated when voltage bias is applied; however, they are unsuitable for long-term use. In this work, we study the Joule heating of silver nanowire random networks embedded in polymers. Silver nanowire random networks embedded in polymers exhibit breakdown under the application of electric current. Their surface morphological changes indicate that nanoparticle formation may be the main cause of this electrical breakdown. Numerical analyses are used to investigate the temperatures of the silver nanowire and substrate.