Innovative electrode based on metallic nanowires network: a multiscale research framework

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks offer excellent electrical and optical properties and have emerged as one of the most attractive alternatives to transparent conductive oxides to be used in flexible optoelectronic applications [Sannicolo, 2016].

Daniel Bellet's team study the impact of several parameters (AgNW sizes, network density [Lagrange 2015], thermal annealing [Langley 2014]…) on the physical properties of AgNW networks [Sorel, 2014]. We aim to propose a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of AgNW networks properties as well as their electrical and thermal stability; the latter being important for integration into devices.
 

For instance we recently demonstrated that the failure dynamics of AgNW networks at high voltages occurs through a highly correlated and spatially localized mechanism: the formation and propagation of cracks nearly parallel to the equipotential lines [Sannicolo 2018]. We lately proposed an efficient way to enhance AgNW network stability by coating AgNWs with a conformal thin zinc oxide layer and we studied the effects of the ZnO coating thickness on the physical properties of AgNW networks [Khan 2018]. Such composite electrodes show a drastic enhancement of both thermal and electrical stabilities.
 

Our approach is based on multiscale characterization, modelling as well as integration into devices such as transparent heaters.