Random 2D nanowire networks: Finite-size effect and the effect of busbar/nanowire contact resistance on their electrical conductivity

Abstract

We have studied the resistance of two-dimensional random percolating networks of zero-width metallic nanowires (rings or sticks). We took into account the nanowire resistance per unit length, the junction (nanowire/nanowire contact) resistance, and the busbar/nanowire contact resistance. Using a mean-field approximation (MFA), we derived the total resistance of the nanoring-based networks as a function of their geometrical and physical parameters. We have proposed a way of accounting for the contribution of the busbar/nanowire contact resistance toward the network resistance. The MFA predictions have been confirmed by our Monte Carlo numerical simulations. Our study evidenced that the busbar/nanowire contact resistance has a significant effect on the electrical conductivity when the junction resistance dominates over the wire resistance.

Transparent electrodes based on mixtures of nanowires and nanorings: A mean-field approach along with computer simulation

“…The MFA slightly overestimates the electrical conductance, as with the pure stick and pure ring systems. [24][25][26][27] When wire resistance and the junction resistance are of the same order, while l = 2πr, the electrical conductance is almost insensitive to the specific proportions of rings and sticks.…”

“…When the number density of the conductive fillers is large enough, the variation of the electrical potential along the film is close to linear. [24][25][26][27] Only one conductive filler in the mean-field produced by all the other fillers may be considered, rather than using a consideration of the whole system of fillers. This idea may be easily transferred to the case when the fillers of two different shapes are presented.…”

“…MC simulations of the electrical conductance have been performed for random 2D systems of conductive sticks [20][21][22][23][24][25] and rings. 6,26,27 The electrical properties of such systems have been considered theoretically using a percolation theory, 28 a mean-field approximation (MFA) approach, 6,21,[24][25][26][27]29 network analysis 30,31 , and an effective medium theory (EMT) approach. 32 MC simulations of electrical percolation in thin films with conductive disks and sticks have been performed.…”

“…Recently, the MFA has been successfully applied to pure nanoring-and to pure nanostick-based random, dense 2D systems. [24][25][26][27] However, to the best of our knowledge, the MFA has not previously been applied to a mixture of conductive fillers having different shapes. The goal of the present study was the application of the MFA to 2D systems consisting of randomly deposited conductive NRs and nanosticks.…”

Percolation and electrical conduction in random systems of curved linear objects on a plane: computer simulations along with a mean-field approach

“…Recently, mean-field approximation (MFA) has been successfully applied to random dense 2D systems composed of nanorings [17,18], nanosticks [19,20] and their mixtures [21]. The goal of the present study is the application of MFA to dense 2D systems consisting of randomly deposited conductive curved nanowires.…”