Reversibly stretchable transparent conductive coatings of spray-deposited silver nanowires

Abstract

Here, we report the creation of highly adhesive transparent and stretchable coatings via spray-deposition of solution-based silver nanowires (AgNWs). The AgNW dispersion was spray-deposited on a polydopamine-modified stretchable elastomeric substrate to prepare thin, stretchable, transparent, highly conductive films. The polydopamine layer on the elastomeric substrate created a highly hydrophilic surface, which facilitated the subsequent spraying of the AgNW solution. Additionally, the spray-deposited AgNWs demonstrated excellent adhesion to the substrate, which allowed the fabrication of stretchable electrodes with high conductivity. The AgNW-coated elastomeric substrate exhibited ~80% transmittance with an average sheet resistance of ~35 Ω/□, making it suitable for transparent electrode applications. The conductivity of the transparent electrode was maintained up to ~20% mechanical elongation, which demonstrated the stretchable characteristics of the AgNW-coated elastomeric substrate.