Highly transparent and conductive films of densely aligned ultrathin Au nanowire monolayers.

Sánchez-Iglesias, Ana; Rivas-Murias, Beatriz; Grzelczak, Marek; Pérez-Juste, Jorge; Liz-Marzán, Luis M; Rivadulla, Francisco; Correa-Duarte, Miguel A · Nano Lett · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The combination of low electrical resistance and high optical transparency in a single material is very uncommon. Developing these systems is a scientific challenge and a technological need, to replace ITO in flexible electronic components and other highly demanding applications. Here we report a facile method to prepare single layers of densely aligned ultrathin Au-nanowires, homogeneous over cm(2) areas. The as-deposited films show an electrical/optical performance competitive with ITO and graphene-based electrodes. Moreover, the Au-films show a good stability under ambient conditions, and the large aspect ratio of the ultrathin nanowires makes them perfect for deposition in flexible substrates.