Electroplated core–shell nanowire network electrodes for highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes

Abstract

In this study, we performed metal (Ag, Ni, Cu, or Pd) electroplating of core–shell metallic Ag nanowire (AgNW) networks intended for use as the anode electrode in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to modify the work function (WF) and conductivity of the AgNW networks. This low-cost and facile electroplating method enabled the precise deposition of metal onto the AgNW surface and at the nanowire (NW) junctions. AgNWs coated onto a transparent glass substrate were immersed in four different metal electroplating baths: those containing AgNO3 for Ag electroplating, NiSO4 for Ni electroplating, Cu2P2O7 for Cu electroplating, and PdCl2 for Pd electroplating. The solvated metal ions (Ag+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Pd2+) in the respective electroplating baths were reduced to the corresponding metals on the AgNW surface in the galvanostatic mode under a constant electric current achieved by linear sweep voltammetry via an external circuit between the AgNW networks (cathode) and a Pt mesh (anode). The amount of electroplated metal was systematically controlled by varying the electroplating time. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the four different metals (shells) were successfully electroplated on the AgNWs (core), and the nanosize-controlled electroplating process produced metal NWs with varying diameters, conductivities, optical transmittances, and WFs. The metal-electroplated AgNWs were successfully employed as the anode electrodes of the OLEDs. This facile and low-cost method of metal electroplating of AgNWs to increase their WFs and conductivities is a promising development for the fabrication of next-generation OLEDs.

Advances in constructing silver nanowire-based conductive pathways for flexible and stretchable electronics

“…7g. 275 Supported by the SEM images (Fig. 7h), a nickel ions bridge joining mechanism is proposed in which the reduced nickel atoms fill the gaps between the AgNWs (Fig.…”

“…7f). 275 When an electrical current is applied, the metal ions in the electrolyte are reduced at the surface of the cathode, so that the AgNW film is wrapped by the reduced metal particles and the contact area among the AgNWs increases. Using the electroplating method, a Ni shell layer is evenly plated onto the surface of silver nanowires as shown in Fig.…”

High-rate electrochemical lithium-ion storage through Li+ intercalation pseudocapacitance in the Pr1/3NbO3 anode

“…4b and c (calculation details in the ESI †). [38][39][40][41][42] Unlike these nano-sized electrode materials benetting from the large surface area, micro-sized Pr 1/3 NbO 3 showed a high pseudocapacitive contribution of 98.9% at a low scan rate of 0.5 mV s −1 , suggesting the intrinsic Li + intercalation pseudocapacitive behavior of Pr 1/3 NbO 3 . The high pseudocapacitive contribution of Pr 1/3 NbO 3 undoubtedly enhanced its rate capability.…”

Morphology-Dependent Optoelectronic Properties of Pentacene Nanoribbon and Nanosheet Crystallite

“…Furthermore, organic semiconductors can be solution-processed on any substrate inexpensively and even at relatively low temperatures, which is highly advantageous for their scale-up from fundamental studies to industrial-level production [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Current examples of developed organic semiconductors include field-effect transistors (OFETs) [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], photodetectors (OPDs) [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], solar cells [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], and so on. To date, a large number of organic optoelectronic devices have been constructed using amorphous or polycrystalline films [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”