Electrodeposited Hierarchical Silver Network Transparent Conducting Electrodes with Excellent Optoelectronic Properties and Mechanical Flexibility

Mechanically flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) with high optoelectronic performance are essential for flexible or wearable optoelectronic devices, which are currently receiving a considerable amount of attention. In this study, we investigate the structural, electrical, optical and mechanical properties of electrodeposited hierarchical silver network TCEs consisting of two layers of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and a silver micromesh. Hierarchical structures are known to improve the optoelectronic properties of network-type TCEs. To fabricate an electrodeposited hierarchical network, a AgNW solution is first spun onto a substrate to form randomly distributed AgNWs, and a silver micromesh is then formed on the AgNWs. Subsequently, silver is electrodeposited onto the hierarchical network. As a result of the electrodeposition, AgNW-AgNW and AgNW-silver micromesh contacts are effectively welded, and the dimensions of the AgNWs and the silver micromesh are optimized to maximize the figure of merit of the TCE. Furthermore, the electrodeposited hierarchical silver network shows excellent mechanical flexibility and much less degradation of its sheet resistance than that experienced by ITO upon repeated convex and concave bending. Its resulting optoelectronic and mechanically flexible performance is superior to that of commercialized ITO.

Graphical Abstract