Copper nanowire networks with transparent oxide shells that prevent oxidation without reducing transmittance

Transparent conducting films of solution-synthesized copper nanowires are an attractive alternative to indium tin oxide due to the relative abundance of Cu and the low cost of solution-phase nanowire coating processes. However, there has to date been no way to protect Cu nanowires with a solution-phase process that does not adversely affect the optoelectric performance of Cu nanowire films. This article reports that the electrodeposition of zinc, tin, or indium shells onto Cu nanowires, followed by oxidation of these shells, enables the protection of Cu nanowire films against oxidation without decreasing film performance.