Towards Outdoor Applications of Silver-Based Flexible Transparent Conductors

Silver-based flexible transparent conductors (FTC) such as silver nanowire (AgNW) networks and nano-structured oxide–metal–oxide (OMO) are promising alternative materials to the indium-tin oxide (ITO). However, the weatherability and long-term reliability of the silver-based nano-structures strongly rely on surface passivation and protective overcoating technologies. Research on the outdoor durability of Ag-based FTCs is essential to establishing guidelines for optimized encapsulation and design strategies. In this study, spin-coated AgNW networks on glass substrate and commercial OMO on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate have been exposed outdoors inside and outside an under-glass exposure box. Results indicate that high moisture brought from violent rain damages AgNWs significantly. The OMO nano-structures on the other hand are robust against adverse weathering conditions, but the embrittlement of aged PET substrate provokes the propensity of surface cracking on the protective oxide layers of OMO. This study provides a scientific basis for developing Ag-based FTCs for outdoor applications.