High-performance silver nanowire/ZnO/MXene composite films with excellent photoelectric properties

This study focuses on the development of high-performance silver nanowire/ZnO/MXene composite films, their synthesis process, structural properties, surface morphology, optical properties, electrical properties, and photoelectric balance characteristics. The research introduces a novel three-layer structure that combines silver nanowires (Ag NWs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and MXene to create a composite film with enhanced optoelectronic properties. The synthesis process involves the polyol method for Ag NWs, the sol–gel method for ZnO NPs, and spin-coating techniques for the composite films. Structural properties are analyzed using XRD and EDS, revealing the crystalline characteristics and elemental composition of the films. Surface morphology is examined through FESEM, showing the uniform distribution of Ag NWs and the effective interaction between ZnO NPs and MXene. Optical properties, including transmittance, scattered transmittance, and haze, are measured to assess the films' transparency and light-scattering behavior. Electrical properties, such as sheet resistance and resistance non-uniformity, are evaluated to determine the films' conductivity and uniformity. The photoelectric balance characteristics are assessed using the Figure of Merit (FoM), which quantifies the relationship between light transmittance and electrical conductivity. The study concludes that the AZM composite films with a single ZnO NPs layer achieve an optimal balance between optical and electrical performance, making them suitable for advanced optoelectronic applications such as flexible displays, high-efficiency solar cells, and next-generation smart electronic devices.