High performance silver nanowire based transparent electrodes reinforced by EVA resin adhesive

Transparent conducting films (TCFs) based electrodes are indispensable for most optoelectronic devices e.g. liquid crystal displayers, transparent touch panels, organic light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Traditional TCF materials, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), have some inherent shortcomings, such as high-vacuum deposition process, high deposition temperature, relatively high cost, and brittleness. With the bloom of flexible and wearable electronics, flexible TCFs become more important than ever. Among various candidates, silver nanowires (AgNWs) based TCF draws more attentions than others for its superior electrical and optical properties. However there are still some challenges to be overcome, such as the poor electrical contact among the AgNWs and the weak mechanical contact between the AgNWs conducting networks and transparent substrate. In this work, combining the electrostatic spraying and Mayer rod coating processes, we have fabricated a high performance AgNWs based TCF with over 85% optical transmittance, less than 50 Ω/sq sheet resistance, and excellent adhesion to the substrate with the involvement of ethylene viny acetate (EVA) resin as the interlayer. This simple two steps process is also compatible with the roll-to-roll coating process, which can well address the challenges of low cost, high performance, flexibility and robustness.