Conductive, flexible transparent electrodes based on mechanically rubbed nonconductive polymer containing silver nanowires

Abstract

This paper explores the use of rubbing for alleviating the problem of lost electrical conductivity, which is typically caused by the use of nonconductive polymers, to improve the substrate adhesion and surface roughness of metal nanowire networks. This process is used to create composite transparent electrodes based on a network of silver nanowires (AgNWs) fully-embedded in PVA, which, after mechanical rubbing, exhibit both a smoother surface and superior electromechanical stability. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015.