SEMINAR LMGP - 09.06.2020 - Dorina T. PAPANASTASIOU

Dorina T. Papanastasiou
PhD student
LMGP-Grenoble INP-CNRS-Univ. Grenoble Alpes

Abstract
Transparent electrodes are essential components in a huge variety of energy, lighting and heating devices with indium tin oxide being the most efficient and widely used so far. However due the brittleness and scarcity of indium, an intensive research interest has emerged the last decade towards alternative transparent conductive materials. Metallic nanowire networks and especially silver nanowire (AgNW) networks appear to be one of the most promising among them, thanks to their superior electrical and optical properties combined with their excellent mechanical performance and low cost fabrication. Despite the optimization of AgNW network fabrication techniques and properties, there are still challenges to be tackled, in order to build a mature technology. Our present contribution focuses on the fundamental understanding of the physical phenomena that take place at both scales of nanowires and networks, thanks to experimental and modelling approaches. We aim to answer what is the origin of failure in AgNW networks during electrical stress and the impact of non-homogeneity and defects. Furthermore, we manage to enhance their stability with transparent and protective oxides using Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition. The latter is now an emerging open air, low-cost and scalable deposition method. Finally, we investigate the integration of AgNW networks in devices such as transparent heaters, electrostatic generators and organic solar cells.