A Module-level Weathering and Durability Testing on Silver Nanowire Transparent Conductors

Abstract

We adopt a pseudo-module methodology for investigating the degradation behaviors of silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent conductors (TC). The pseudo-module allows assembly and disassembly for accessing TC during aging test without causing artificial damage to the AgNWs. Aging tests on the AgNWs inside pseudo-module were performed under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at elevated temperature and damp heat conditions. There was no deterioration concerning electrical DC conductivity for both UVA/75ºC and damp heat aging conditions after aging for 69 days and 100 days, respectively. However, microscopy and spectroscopy results indicated that damp heat aging resulted in significant damage to the morphologies of AgNWs, inferring the importance of encapsulation to the stability of pristine AgNWs inside modules. Morphological and junctional change of AgNWs networks caused the decrease in optical transmittance of TC. The UVA/75ºC aging results showed early sign of sulfidation after aging for 100 days. Electrical stress tests by applying stepwise current were conducted. The failure mode of both pristine AgNW TC and AgNW TC inside pseudo-module were identical. However, the AgNW TC inside pseudo-module generated higher heating temperature. Preliminary outdoor exposure has been conducted by our research team, and comprehensive investigation will be carried out in the near future.