Metal transparent conductive films (TCFs) have received increasing attention in various flexible electronics. However, there are two crucial issues that need to be addressed: (1) strong adhesion between metal TCFs and the flexible substrates and (2) high conductivity with short treatment time and low process temperature, simultaneous with high transparency. In this paper, a site-selective electroless plating combination with poly(dopamine) modification is demonstrated to fabricate a new high performance transparent conductor composed of a periodic two-dimensional silver network on a heat sensitive flexible substrate at room temperature. The TCF reveals an extremely high ratio of DC to optical conductivity (σ(DC)/σ(Op)) value in the range of 350-1000 for various fabricated silver grid films. It also exhibits particularly strong adhesion, which can resist ultrasonic treatment in water or organic solvent for several hours. Its reliability (stable for at least 1440 h during 85 °C/85% RH aging) meets the essential requirements for microelectronic applications. Using this method, we obtain silver grid film on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate with optical transmittance of 91% and sheet resistance of 8 Ohm sq(-1), which is comparable to or better than the commercially available indium tin oxide.

A flexible transparent conductive film (TCF) is an important component in many modern smart devices. Recent TCF is always fabricated based on indium tin oxide (ITO). However, the drawbacks of ITO (e.g., brittle nature, high cost, and resource scarcity) and the complex preparation process of TCF limit the massive production and further application of TCF. Herein, a facile and low-cost method is proposed to prepare flexible TCF. Rolls of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer film were first fabricated by the roll-to-roll (R2R) spraying method. Then, the interlayer film was laminated between polycarbonate (PC) films (0.1 mm in thickness) to fabricate a transparent (80% optical transmittance) but flexible trilayer film. Such a prepared trilayer film shows multifunctional applications. For example, on the one hand, high conductivity and uniform distribution of resistance ensure that it can work as a deicing window with good performance at a low voltage. On the other hand, its flexibility, rapid self-recovery, and stable response enable it to be used as a bending sensor, which shows remarkable stability, repeatability, and durability. This study provides a facile method to fabricate TCF based on commercial but low-cost materials, which is suitable for industrial production and wide practical applications.

No abstract

No abstract

Mesoporous silver materials are used as electrocatalysts for halogenated compounds and exhibit high performance in electrocatalytic carboxylation of halogenated compounds to carboxylic acid (78%).