Silver nanoparticles are a good substitute for ITO (indium tin oxide) for the production of transparent electrodes. They are used in novel technologies such as touchscreens, solar cells, smart windows and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

At the beginning of 2015, Spanish researchers at ITMA Materials Technology developed an optimized synthesis process for ultra-long silver nanowires. With an average length of more than 100 μm and within a very short processing time, they offer new possibilities for an industrial boom.

The research team, which includes María Fe Menéndez, has sprayed dispersions based on these ultra-long nanowires onto a flexible polymer substrate. The result was a foil film with high transparency and conductivity. The film produces a surface resistance of 20 Ω / square, with a transparency of more than 94% (T = 94.7%) in the visible range on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates.

This work shows that AgNWs offers a cost-effective, fast roll-to-roll compatible alternative compared to ITO in OPVs (Organic Photovoltaics) with only small trade-offs in PCE (Power Conversion Efficiency).

If you are interested in the content of the complete publication, you can find more information about the article published in the journal "Nanotechnology Issue 26" at the URL of our reference.