Highly stretchable transparent bar coated Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrode for wearable and stretchable devices

In this study, we demonstrated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as a composite with Ag nanowire (Ag NW) to enhance the stretchability of the Ag NW network electrode. The composite Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid ink (AP ink) was prepared at a ratio of 1 : 10, 1 : 20, and 1 : 30, respectively and bar coated on polyurethane substrate. The different ink ratios were studied and optimized with a sheet resistance of 14.93 Ω sq⁻¹. and a transmittance of 88.6% showing a high performance in mechanical stress tests such as bending, folding, rolling, twisting, and stretching. It also showed a conductive bridge effect where the PEDOT:PSS acted as an anchor or support to Ag NW during mechanical strain and PEDOT:PSS also enhanced the electrical conductivity of the Ag NW. Therefore, to prove the real time performance of the electrode as a wearable device, we fabricated transparent electroluminescence devices and thin film heater devices which are highly flexible and demonstrated excellent performance proving that the AP electrode is more suitable candidate for future wearable transparent devices.

PEDOT:PSS, the highly stretchable and conductive polymer, can enhances the stretchability of Ag NW electrodes when mixed with Ag NW. Because PEDOT:PSS is still connected to the disconnected Ag NWs, the electrode has enhanced stretchability.