High-performance Ag nanowires/PEDOT:PSS composite electrodes for PVDF-HFP piezoelectric nanogenerators

The highly transparent and conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/Ag nanowires (NWs) composite electrodes have been prepared by simple spin-coating method for flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (FPNG). By changing the length/diameter (L/D) ratio of Ag NWs and the volume ratio of Ag NWs to PEDOT:PSS, the composite film electrode with a low sheet resistance of 17 ohm/sq and a high diffusive transmittance of 84% at 550 nm were prepared. Effective embedment of the Ag NWs network into the conductive PEDOT:PSS layer led to metallic conductivity, high diffusive transmittance, and highly flexibility, which was desirable for flexible and transparent devices. In addition, the composite electrodes showed a stable performance during moisture and inner bending testing, due to the high strain capacity of both PEDOT:PSS and Ag NW network. The composite electrodes would be a promising alternative to high-cost metallic electrodes to produce cost-efficient devices. The hybrid electrodes have been successfully used as the electrode for a FPNG with a high output voltage (about 1.2 V) and sensitivity of 326 mV/N.

Automated summary

The highly transparent and conductive PEDOT:PSS/Ag nanowires composite electrodes were prepared for flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator. The composite film electrode had low sheet resistance, high diffusive transmittance, and high flexibility, ideal for flexible and transparent devices. The composite electrodes showed stable performance during testing and could be a cost-efficient alternative to metallic electrodes for producing devices.