Synthesis of copper nanowires and its application to flexible transparent electrode

The well-dispersed copper nanowires (Cu NWs) with diameter of about 65 nm and length of 70 μm were successfully synthesized by a rapid and facile hydrothermal method. Then the nano-network electrode based on Cu NWs was achieved by filtration and a wet treatment process. The initial Cu NWs films were almost not conductive. Post-treatment with acetic acid for 30 s at room temperature leads to Cu NWs films with excellent conductivity-transmittance performances (e.g., 60 Ω/sq. at 90% transparence), which is better than the commercial ITO/PET flexible electrodes. Additionally, Cu NWs films also possess good flexibility, no evident degradation of conductivity for the films was observed during 1000 cycles of bending test. - Graphical abstract: Traditionally, copper nanowires based films need high temperature under inert gas to remove the residual organic on or oxidation to achieve high conductivity. In this paper, we probe a chemistry treatment method to obtain high transmittance and low sheet resistance films. Such simplified method offers an energy-saving and manufacturing-facile way to activate the excellent performance of Cu NWs transparent flexible electrode. - Highlights: • Cu NWs were achieved via a facile and rapid hydrothermal method. • Oleylamine capping ligand was used in the synthetic process. • The diameter and length of Cu NWs is about 65 nm and 70 μm, respectively. • GGA treatment contributes to enhance optical and electrical properties of Cu NWs films. • Cu NWs/PET films exhibit good flexibility.