Solution processed metallic nanowire based transparent electrode capped with a multifunctional layer

Solution processed metallic nanowires (NWs) have been attracting increasing attention because of the effective combination of electrical and optical properties. However, they still suffer from several drawbacks, including large surface roughness, instability against oxidation and moisture, and poor adhesion to the substrate. These factors need to be addressed for the wide-spread use of metallic NWs as transparent electrodes. In this work, we demonstrate that by using a solution processed zinc oxide (ZnO) capping layer, NW films show improved electro-optical properties, adhesion, and mechanical flexibility. In addition, the ZnO film reduces the surface roughness by more than half of its initial value, provides protection against oxidation, coalescence at high temperature, damp-heat conditions, and even extreme chemical environments. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.