All-spray multilayer transparent electrode based on Ag nanowires: improved adhesion and thermal/chemical stability

All-solution-processed multilayer ZnO/Ag NWs/ZnO/PVP/PVA composite is introduced as a transparent conductive film (TCF) for optoelectronic applications. Unlike conventional film formation methods that impose high investment expenses, scalable spray coating is applied over the layers using a hand-made spray apparatus. The resulting TCF exhibits high transmittance (T, 86% at 550 nm) and low sheet resistance (R_s, 6 Ω/sq), which is comparable to the sputtered counterparts. The bending test demonstrates the flexibility of the multilayer TCF with no noticeable increase in R_s, even after 1500 bending iterations. Moreover, chemical stability test (exposure to a corrosive agent) and adhesion examination confirm the capability of the fabricated TCF. Furthermore, the electrode is also thermally stable in heat up to 280 °C and is resistant against oxidation, as R_s remains almost unchanged after keeping the electrode in normal atmospheric condition for 200 days. The all-solution-processed electrode demonstrates desirable performance as a transparent electrode and potential to be applied in different optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.