Ultrathin Ag@ZnO Core–Shell Nanowires for Stable Flexible Transparent Conductive Films

Abstract

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have received much attention from researchers for their superior optoelectronic properties and are thought to be the most potential substitute for indium–tin oxide. However, the poor stability of the AgNW network when exposed to the atmospheric environment for a long time is a pivotal problem. The surface of the AgNW is easily oxidized, and the NW scale is too small, accelerating the degradation mechanism of Ag, which is limited in practical applications. In this study, a simple and inexpensive solution approach is innovatively proposed to prepare ultrathin Ag@ZnO NW networks with core–shell structure to improve the thermal, electrical, and chemical stability of AgNWs. The formed Ag@ZnO NW network has a high transmission of 81% with a low sheet resistance of 7.5 Ω/sq. More importantly, the Ag@ZnO NW network can withstand high temperatures up to 280 °C without performance degradation. In addition, the Ag@ZnO NW network shows excellent thermal and chemical stability and maintains the original performance under harsh conditions such as high temperature, high relative humidity, ultraviolet ozone, strong oxidants (Na2S), and salinity (NaCl). Finally, the application of Ag@ZnO NW flexible transparent conductive electrodes (FTCEs) in an electrochromic device is successfully demonstrated to verify the applicability of Ag@ZnO NW FTCEs, and the electrochromic device has cyclability and quick responsiveness.