Flash-induced nanowelding of silver nanowire networks for transparent stretchable electrochromic devices

Chihak Lee, Youngsu Oh, In Seon Yoon, Sun Hong Kim, Byeong Kwon Ju, Jae Min Hong

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    86 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are emerging as a novel technology for various applications like commercialized smart window glasses, and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors. Recently, the development of low-power, lightweight, flexible, and stretchable devices has been accelerated to meet the growing demand in the new wearable devices market. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) can become new primary transparent conducting electrode (TCE) materials to replace indium tin oxide (ITO) for ECDs. However, issues such as substrate adhesion, delamination, and higher resistance still exist with AgNWs. Herein, we report a high-performance stretchable flash-induced AgNW-network-based TCE on surface-treated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. A Xe flash light method was used to create nanowelded networks of AgNWs. Surface silane treatments increased the adhesion and durability of the films as well. Finally, ECDs were fabricated under the optimal conditions and examined under strained conditions to demonstrate the resistance and mechanical behaviours of the devices. Results showed a flexible and durable film maintaining a high level of conductivity and reversible resistance behaviour, beyond those currently achievable with standard ITO/PET flexible TCEs.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number2763
    JournalScientific reports
    Volume8
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018 Dec 1

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This work was supported by Industrial Fundamental Technology Development Program of MOTIE/KEIT (10051162, Development of 3D-Deformable Multi layered FPCB Devices) and KIST through the Institutional Program (2E27283).

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2018, The Author(s).

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General

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