Synthesis of Copper Nanowires Using Monoethanolamine and the Application in Transparent Conductive Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Copper nanowires (Cu NWs) are explored as cost-effective replacements for ITO and Ag NWs in optoelectronic applications.
• Their synthesis and property optimization are crucial for device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize Cu NWs using a novel copper chloride (CuCl2)-monoethanolamine (MEA)-hydrated hydrazine (N2H4) system.
• To determine optimal conditions for Cu NW synthesis with MEA as a complexing agent.
• To fabricate transparent conductive films from the synthesized Cu NWs.

Main Methods:

• Cu NWs synthesized via a chemical reduction method using CuCl2, MEA, and N2H4 under alkaline conditions at 60 °C.
• Optimization of MEA concentration to control nanowire morphology (diameter and length).
• Fabrication of transparent conductive films by transferring Cu NWs onto PET substrates and dissolving the MCE membrane.

Main Results:

• First-time use of MEA as a complexing agent in this Cu NW synthesis method.
• MEA's crucial role in directing nanowire growth and preventing precipitate formation.
• Optimal MEA concentration (210 mM) yielded Cu NWs with ~101 nm diameter and ~28 μm length.
• Fabricated transparent conductive films achieved a sheet resistance of 52 Ω sq⁻¹ and 86.7% optical transmittance.

Conclusions:

• The CuCl2-MEA-N2H4 system with MEA as a complexing agent is effective for synthesizing high-quality Cu NWs.
• MEA concentration significantly influences Cu NW dimensions and film properties.
• The synthesized Cu NWs are suitable for fabricating efficient transparent conductive films.