Sandpaper-Induced Wrinkled PDMS/Nanosilica Membrane for Assembling AgNWs and PEDOT:PSS Stretchable Transparent Electrodes

Abstract

Developing stretchable transparent electrodes that simultaneously achieve high conductivity, optical transparency, mechanical stretchability, and environmental stability remains a significant challenge. In this study, a fluorosilane-modified sandpaper template was employed to create a nanosilica-enhanced PDMS composite membrane with a wrinkled surface structure, which enhances the mechanical properties and facilitates the ordered assembly of the conductive materials. The high modulus of the nanosilica preserved the micronano structural integrity after demolding without sacrificing membrane flexibility, while the textured surface and relatively hydrophilic nature enable straightforward surface modification. Through spin-coating and thermal treatment, silver nanowires (AgNWs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were sequentially deposited onto the structured membrane, yielding a dense, well-adhered conductive network. The resulting flexible composite electrode retained optical transparency while exhibiting excellent electrical conductivity, enhanced stretchability, and outstanding environmental stability, underscoring its potential for wearable thermal management and strain sensing applications.