Microwave-Welded and Photopolymer-Embedded Silver Nanowire Electrodes for Skin-like Supercapacitors

Abstract

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are expected to be used in next-generation flexible transparent conductive electrodes due to their outstanding electronic properties and high transmittance. However, the ineluctable contact resistance between AgNWs and poor stability have limited their use in wearable and conformable devices. In addition, the mechanical peeling damage caused by a polymer substrate with an unmatched Young’s modulus and adhesion force still remains a challenge. Herein, we simultaneously resolve the aforementioned conductivity, stability, and substrate issues. An effective microwave-welded technique and embedded structure are proposed for the fabrication of skin-like AgNW electrodes with high optoelectronic performance and mechanical robustness. Meanwhile, we develop a flexible, stable, and appropriate photopolymer substrate and demonstrate photopolymer-embedded AgNW electrodes with less mechanical damage during the peeling process and outstanding environmental stability even in water. Based on these electrodes, we further fabricated skin-like supercapacitor devices with high area capacitance and excellent flexibility (2000 bending cycles). This reported facile strategy provides meaningful guidance for preparing high-performance skin-like transparent electrodes, showing promising potential for next-generation wearable and epidermal electronics.

Fast, facile and thermal damage free nanowelding of Ag nanowire for flexible transparent conductive film by pressure-assisted microwave irradiation

“…Alternatively, the microwave process holds promise as a technology for addressing the high sheet resistance issue of silver nanowire (Ag NW) networks. This process involves the fast and selective absorption of microwaves only by materials like metallic wires and thin films, rather than affecting the polymer substrates based on their electromagnetic characteristics 21 , 22 . Microwave processes that operate within specific frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum offer several advantages, including shorter process times, lower power consumption, and higher efficiency compared to other conventional methods 23 , 24 .…”

Continuous Patterning of Silver Nanowire-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Composite Transparent Conductive Film by a Roll-to-Roll Selective Calendering Process

“…Therefore, we have used a Ag NW-PVP composite to fabricate transparent conductive films in this work. The Ag NW composite is an advanced material that functionalizes various properties [ 16 , 17 ] for various applications such as in chemical/physical sensors [ 18 , 19 ], supercapacitors [ 20 , 21 ], photovoltaics [ 22 ], and energy storage [ 23 ].…”