Hierarchical multiscale hybrid nanocomposite of metal-nanowires / carbon-nanotubes for highly stretchable and transparent conductors in wearable electronics

Abstract

Through hybridization, the advantages of composing materials can be utilized together. We demon-strate that hybrid composite structure of silver-nanowires (AgNWs) and carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) shows good performance as transparent electrodes and highly flexible conductors. AgNWs network has a good con-ductivity because of high electron density. Adding fine percolation network of CNTs on AgNWs network provides diverse pathways on AgNWs and connects non-contacting AgNWs beneath. CNTs-assisted AgNWs conductor can attain the transparency up to 90% which AgNWs alone cannot reach. Hybridized conductor is also good in continuity perspective, which is advantageous in solar cell application because filling empty win-dows of AgNWs network with CNTs can decrease the recombination of electrons. AgNWs/CNTs hybrid con-ductor shows better flexibility than AgNWs electrode. It is inferred that CNTs blanket AgNWs junctions and hold the joining parts tightly from slipping. Suggested hybrid structure shows conductance through 10000 times of bending, full-folding and 540˚ of twisting. And it shows good conductance even when stretched more than 460%. With various flexibility tests such as repetitive bending, folding and stretching, AgNWs encased in CNTs is measured to have a better mechanical compliance than the conductor composed of only AgNWs. In addition, we demonstrate that hybridized electrode can function as a transparent touch panel. The transparent electrode has sheet resistance less than 25Ω/sq with T≥80%. Suggested AgNWs/CNTs hybrid structure is expected to facilitate diverse approach to practical use of flexible electronics.