Transparent, flexible conducting graphene hybrid films with a subpercolating network of silver nanowires

Abstract

Herein we report a double layer structured transparent, flexible hybrid electrode from a subpercolating network of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) with CVD graphene coating on a PET substrate. The resistance of the obtained hybrid graphene/Ag NW film, with T = 81.5% (at 550 nm) and R_s = 32.5 Ω sq⁻¹, is comparable to that of the resistance of ITO. In comparison with the Ag NW film, the resulting hybrid film has a lower surface roughness and a high DC to optical conductivity ratios. In such an electrode structure, graphene and Ag NWs can serve as the short-range and long-range conductors respectively, which should be more efficient in collecting and transporting the carriers to the external circuits. In addition, the graphene/Ag NW film possesses a desirable mechanical property. It is expected that the graphene/Ag NW double layered electrode might serve as a flexible transparent electrode.