Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
07:50
A Fabrication Method for Highly Stretchable Conductors with Silver Nanowires
Published on: January 21, 2016
10.1K
Self-Patterned Stretchable Electrode Based on Silver Nanowire Bundle Mesh Developed by Liquid Bridge Evaporation
Eun Young An1,2, Siyoung Lee3, Seung Goo Lee4
1Green and Sustainable Materials R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Cheonan 31056, Korea.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a low-cost, highly stretchable electrode using a novel self-patterning method. This innovation in silver nanowire (AgNW) technology enables complex patterns for advanced stretchable electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electronics Engineering
Background:
- Developing low-cost, high-performance stretchable electrodes is crucial for next-generation electronics.
- Existing methods often struggle to balance stretchability, conductivity, and scalable manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel self-patterned stretchable electrode with high stretchability, conductivity, and manufacturability.
- To demonstrate a scalable fabrication process for complex electrode patterns.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bridged square-shaped (BSS) silver nanowire (AgNW) bundle mesh using liquid bridge evaporation.
- Integration of the BSS AgNW mesh with a microcavity array in a stretchable polymer matrix.
- Utilizing self-patterning phenomena driven by liquid bridge formation differences for complex pattern generation.
Main Results:
- Achieved high stretchability with low resistance change (ΔR/R₀ of 10.3 at 40% strain) due to the BSS structure and microcavity array.
- Successfully demonstrated complex AgNW patterns without additional lithography or patterning steps.
- Fabrication via industry-standard spray coating and bar coating, indicating low-cost mass production potential.
Conclusions:
- The developed self-patterned stretchable electrode offers a viable strategy for commercializing advanced stretchable electronics.
- This approach significantly advances the performance and design possibilities for applications like stretchable displays and electronic skin.
