No abstract

Abstract-Large-area electronics require cost-effective yet precise patterning of electrodes. We demonstrate a simple electrode patterning technique capable of micron-scale gap formation, that allows the patterning of a larger variety of metals than the current portfolio of jettable metallic ink comprises and does not require a high-temperature sintering step. However, this method can produce large variations in gap size resulting in inconsistent and irreproducible transistor drain current. We propose that source-gated transistors (SGTs) are well suited to this technique, as they have a saturated drain current independent of source-drain separation, thus leading to improved current uniformity despite inconsistencies in gap size.

The next generation of electronic devices will require low cost materials and processing techniques that are fully compatible with flexible substrates and large area applications. Silver nanowires are promising candidates for many applications and can be processed by various solution‐based large area deposition techniques. In this work, high aspect ratio silver nanowires were synthesized via a polyol reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of a metal‐salt and a capping agent. The grown nanowires were spray coated and simply planarized with inkjet printed PEDOT:PSS to produce smooth and high performance nanocomposite electrodes suitable for industrial applications. The nanocomposite electrodes exhibit figure of merit values (σDC/σOP) of about 60, higher than the values required for industrial use (>35). High conductivity with high optical transparency was achieved by controlling the aspect ratio of the nanowires and their concentration in the films. The highly conductive and transparent electrodes were utilized to fabricate organic light emitting diodes, which exhibited high luminance (∼ 7 × 103 cd m−2) and performance comparable to a “benchmark” ITO electrode. The results show that the combination of the nanocomposite materials, together with the solution based techniques could pave the way towards flexible, solution processable, low cost, and large area device applications.ITO‐free OLEDs fabricated using solution processed Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites as transparent conductive electrode. Improving the aspect ratio of the grown nanowires along with controlling their density in the films allow for highly conductive and transparent nanocomposite electrodes. These nanocomposite samples are utilized as a direct replacement for ITO in OLEDs.

PurposeThis research explores approaches to, impacts of and reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic for professional communicators in the English National Health Service. It was undertaken in order to understand and analyse their lived experience and make recommendations for improving future system-wide performance.Design/methodology/approachGiven the work pressure and additional commitments that communication practitioners have when working in crisis, the researchers chose a single data collection method. Qualitative and quantitative data collection was undertaken using an extensive self-completion survey instrument.FindingsTen distinct themes covering four time phases: crisis preparedness, entering the crisis, pandemic peak and post “first-wave” are discussed. They examine crisis readiness, to shifts in priorities and communication approaches to system-wide leadership and integration and the re-positioning of communication as a central player in pandemics.Practical implicationsThe research outlines a number of areas for improvement along with practical recommendations for actions in the health system in readiness for future pandemics.Originality/valueThis is the first time the lived experience of communicators working through a pandemic at all levels in a national health system has been researched in the public relations literature.

No abstract