Silver nanowire transparent conducting paper-based electrode with high optical haze

Abstract

In this study we report a novel, rationally designed, solution based silver nanowire (Ag NW) paper hybrid that demonstrates a flexible, low cost, and scalable device ready transparent conducting electrode (TCE) with exceptional and stable optoelectronic properties. Its high transmittance (91%) and low sheet resistance (13 Ω sq⁻¹) represent the highest reported figure of merit value for solution based TCEs according to conventional models. We also thoroughly investigate the diffuse light scattering properties of our Ag NW paper with various techniques that elucidate the total optical haze as well as the diffuse scattering angle distribution for this TCE. Through a simulation of the impact the optical properties of TCEs have on the light absorption in the conversion layers for various thin film solar cells, we demonstrate that our Ag NW paper induces greater light absorption than ITO for each simulated thin film solar cell.