Radio Frequency Induction Welding of Silver Nanowire Networks for Transparent Heat Films

Abstract

Transparent heat films (THFs) are attracting increasing attention for their usefulness in various applications, such as vehicle windows, outdoor displays, and biosensors. In this study, the effects of induction power and radio frequency on the welding characteristics of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and Ag NW-based THFs were investigated. The results showed that higher induction frequency and higher power increased the welding of the Ag NWs through the nano-welding at the junctions of the Ag NWs, which produced lower sheet resistance, and improved the adhesion of the Ag NWs. Using the inductive welding condition of 800 kHz and 6 kW for 60 s, 100 ohm/sq of Ag NW thin film with 95% transmittance at 550 nm after induction heating could be decreased to 56.13 ohm/sq, without decreasing the optical transmittance. In addition, induction welding of the Ag NW-based THFs improved haziness, increased bending resistance, enabled higher operating temperature at a given voltage, and improved stability.

Introductory Overview of Layer Formation Techniques of Ag Nanowires on Flexible Polymeric Substrates

“…There are several additional considerations for Ag nanowire layer formation. First, the choice of flexible polymeric substrate, like PET [77,78] or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) [79,80], significantly impacts the mechanical, thermal, and adhesion properties of the prepared film. Recent advancements in coating techniques offer the possibility of tailoring these properties for specific applications, such as achieving mechanical flexibility for applications involving bending or stretching.…”

Thermo-electro-optical properties of seamless metallic nanowire networks for transparent conductor applications

“…Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) are pivotal components for various thermo-1,2 and optoelectronic devices. 3 TCEs have opened up innovation for an extensive range of unprecedented applications, notably, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), 4,5 solar cells, [6][7][8] touchscreens, 9,10 transparent heaters, [11][12][13][14] neurostimulators, 15 photodetectors, 16 smart watches, 17 thermoelectric generators, [18][19][20][21] to name but a few. TCEs made of metal nanowires, 22 carbon nanotubes, 23,24 conductive polymers, 25 and graphene 26,27 are competing materials against the canonical indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films due to its limited mechanical flexibility and high fabrication cost.…”