Highly robust, transparent, and conductive films based on AgNW-C nanowires for flexible smart windows

Abstract Flexible transparent conductive films (FTCFs) have attracted tremendous concern because it is a key component of next generation electronics and optoelectronic devices. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) random networks have become the most promising candidates for FTCFs, with high transmittance, low sheet resistance, and excellent mechanical flexibility. However, there are many barriers to the application of FTCFs based on AgNWs, such as easy oxidization and weak adhesion to the substrates. Here, we developed a facile approach to fabricate AgNW-C core–shell nanowires derived from the carbonization of glucose by a one-pot solvothermal method. A uniform amorphous carbon shell coating improves the chemical stability of AgNWs and the hydroxyls on the surface of the nanowires enhance the adhesion to the substrate. The AgNW-C/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) transparent conductive film shows excellent robustness when subjected to bending (ΔR/R0 ≈ 2.8% after bending 2000 times). Besides, the conductivity of AgNW-C/PET film remains relatively stable after 100 peeling-off cycles by a 3 M tape test. A flexible electrochromic device (FCD) has also been constructed based on the AgNW-C/PET film, which shows promising stability and mechanical flexibility due to the remarkable electrochemical stability and mechanical strength of the AgNW-C/PET films. The results present the significant potential applications of the flexible transparent device based on AgNW-C/PET film for many fields in the future.