Metal nanowire based thin film transparent heater and thermo-photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Silver nanowire random network is known as a potential candidate to replace the indium tin oxide (ITO) as a transparent and conductive electrode. Due to the joule heating of conductive materials, silver nanowire transparent electrode can be heated up. However, film heater based on silver nanowire random network cannot be operated in long term usage. The possible causes of failure are discussed. Numerical analysis is performed to see the temperature distribution while an electrical potential is applied across the silver nanowire random network. TiO2 thin film is deposited on silver nanowire embedded in polymer by electrodeposition. The photocatalytic self-cleaning effect of silver nanowire - TiO2 structure was characterized by the decomposition of methylene blue and enhanced photocatalytic activity was verified. By combining the Joule heating of silver nanowire transparent electrode and photocatalysis, the faster decomposition rate of methylene blue is obtained.