THz Shielding Properties of Optically Transparent PEDOT:PSS/AgNW Composite Films and Their Sandwich Structures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electromagnetics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Rapid advancements in scientific and technological development necessitate faster information transfer.
• The terahertz (THz) frequency range is a key area for future high-speed communication technologies.
• There is a growing demand for effective shielding materials, particularly transparent ones, for THz applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel composite films for THz shielding.
• To evaluate the optoelectrical and shielding properties of silver nanowire/PEDOT:PSS composites.
• To assess the stability and potential applications of these materials as transparent shielding solutions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of composite films using silver nanowires and PEDOT:PSS.
• Characterization of sheet resistance, optical transparency, and THz shielding efficiency.
• Assessment of material stability under atmospheric corrosion over 30 days.

Main Results:

• Composite films achieved a sheet resistance of ~8.6 Ω/□ with ~83.41% transparency.
• Single-layer films exhibited THz shielding efficiency of 25.85 dB.
• A bilayer sandwich structure demonstrated enhanced shielding efficiency of 49.34 dB (0.2-0.8 THz) with 66.33% transparency.
• Materials maintained stable sheet resistance after 30 days of atmospheric corrosion.

Conclusions:

• Silver nanowire/PEDOT:PSS composite films are excellent candidates for transparent THz shielding.
• The developed materials offer a balance of high transparency and significant shielding effectiveness.
• The demonstrated stability suggests practical viability for real-world applications in the THz domain.