Sintering of ultrathin gold nanowires for transparent electronics

Ultrathin gold nanowires (AuNWs) with diameters below 2 nm and high aspect ratios are considered to be a promising base material for transparent electrodes. To achieve the conductivity expected for this system, oleylamine must be removed. Herein we present the first study on the conductivity, optical transmission, stability, and structure of AuNW networks before and after sintering with different techniques. Freshly prepared layers consisting of densely packed AuNW bundles were insulating and unstable, decomposing into gold spheres after a few days. Plasma treatments increased the conductivity and stability, coarsened the structure, and left the optical transmission virtually unchanged. Optimal conditions reduced sheet resistances to 50 Ω/sq.