Flexible alternating current electroluminescent devices using superstable AgNWs@Nd2O3/PU transparent conductive film as an electrode

Abstract

Silver nanowire transparent conductive film (AgNWs-TCF) has significant value in replacing indium tin oxide transparent conductive films in flexible electronic devices due to their excellent conductivity, transmission, and flexibility properties. However, the current issues of its environmental stability, bending resistance, and waterproof performance restrict commercialization application. In this study, a SnO₂/AgNWs@Nd₂O₃-TCF with a core (AgNWs)-shell (Nd₂O₃) structure was fabricated through a two-step process: First, silver obtained from reduction in NaCl solution was used to softly weld wire-to-wire junctions in the AgNWs network, followed by Nd₂O₃ derived from hydrolysis in NdF₃ solution to encapsulate the AgNWs. The resulting transparent conductive film not only demonstrated excellent optoelectronic performance with a sheet resistance of 11.6 Ω/sq and transmittance of 86.6 %@550 nm, but also exhibited remarkable environmental stability and bending resistance, showing resistance change rates of 24 % after 28 days in ambient air and 4.8 % at a bending radius of 5.5 mm, respectively. After polyurethane resin (PU) encapsulation, the SnO₂/AgNWs@Nd₂O₃/PU-TCF displayed superior waterproof characteristics, maintaining a current of 0.10 A under 4 V voltage even after coating a water layer. Surface roughness analysis revealed that TCFs significantly influence the luminescence properties of AC electroluminescent devices (ACEL). The ACEL device fabricated with low-roughness SnO₂/AgNWs@Nd₂O₃-TCF/PU as a flexible transparent electrode achieved a luminous brightness of 43.11 cd/m² and demonstrated stable bending luminescence performance with negligible changes in brightness uniformity.