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Scalable Solution-processed Fabrication Strategy for High-performance, Flexible, Transparent Electrodes with Embedded Metal Mesh
Published on: June 23, 2017
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Mechanically Robust and Healable Transparent Electrode Fabricated via Vapor-Assisted Solution Process
Da Hee Lee1, Gaeun Heo1, Kyoung-Hee Pyo1
1Display Materials & Components Research Center, Korea Electronics Technology Institute , 68 Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 463-816, South Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 15, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a robust, transparent, and healable electrode using silver nanowires embedded in a special polymer. This novel electrode material demonstrates excellent mechanical stability and self-healing properties, paving the way for advanced flexible electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing mechanically robust, transparent, and healable electrodes is crucial for advanced electronic applications.
- Existing electrodes often face challenges with durability, flexibility, and self-repair capabilities.
- Polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane (PDMS-CPU) offers a promising base for flexible materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a mechanically robust, transparent, and healable electrode.
- To investigate the use of Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry for polymer cross-linking and electrode fabrication.
- To enhance the embedding of silver nanowires (AgNWs) onto a polymer substrate.
Main Methods:
- Embedding AgNWs onto a PDMS-CPU substrate cross-linked by reversible DA adducts.
- Utilizing heated dimethylformamide (DMF) vapor to induce retro-DA reaction and polymer softening.
- Employing postprocessing to embed AgNWs and enhance electrode properties.
- Testing electrode resistance under extreme bending and evaluating healing capabilities.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a mechanically robust, transparent, and healable electrode.
- Achieved enhanced surface roughness and mechanical stability through vapor treatment.
- Demonstrated minimal resistance change (2.1% inward, 5.3% outward) at a 90% strain (55 μm bending radius).
- Observed facilitated healing of scratched electrodes due to polymer swelling in DMF vapor.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a simple postprocessing technique to create high-performance electrodes.
- The reversible DA chemistry enables effective embedding of AgNWs and enhances electrode stability.
- The electrode exhibits excellent mechanical robustness, transparency, and self-healing, suitable for deformable electronics.
