Solution-processed transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) were fabricated via the self-assembly deposition
of silver nanowires (Ag NWs). Glass substrates modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane
(APTES) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTES) were coated with Ag NWs for various deposition
times, leading to three different Ag NWs samples (APTES-Ag NWs (PVP), MPTES-Ag NWs (PVP), and
APTES-Ag NWs (COOH)). Controlling the deposition time produced Ag NWs monolayer thin films with
different optical transmittance and sheet resistance. Post-annealing treatment improved their electrical
conductivity. The Ag NWs films were successfully characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, field emission
scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and four-point probe. Three Ag NWs films exhibited
low sheet resistance of 4–19 X/sq and high optical transmittance of 65–81% (at 550 nm), which are
comparable to those of commercial ITO electrode. We fabricated an organic photovoltaic device by using
Ag NWs as the anode instead of ITO electrode, and optimized device with Ag NWs exhibited power conversion
efficiency of 1.72%. |