High-performance Ag-NWs doped graphene/ITO hybrid transparent conductive electrode

Abstract

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a commonly used material for transparent conductive

electrodes (TCE) in optoelectronic applications. On the other hand, graphene has superior

electrical conductivity and exceptional mechanical flexibility, which makes it a promising

candidate as a TCE material. This work proposes a CVD graphene/ITO hybrid electrode

enhanced by doping with silver nanowires (Ag-NWs). The study aims to improve the

performance of the electrode by optimizing two key parameters during the fabrication

process: the thermal annealing time after the transfer of graphene on ITO and the Ag-NWs

doping conditions. The annealing treatment is fundamental to reducing the residues on the

surface of graphene and increasing the interface contact between graphene and ITO. The

correct coverage and distribution of the dopant on graphene is obtained by controlling the

concentration of the Ag-NWs and the spin coating speeds. The results indicate a substantial

improvement in the optical and electrical performance of the Ag-NWs/graphene/ITO

hybrid electrode. A remarkably low sheet resistance of 42.4 Ω/sq (±2 Ω/sq) has been

achieved while maintaining a high optical transmittance of 87.3% (±0.5%).