Ag nanowires–ZnO composite structures for multifunctional flexible transparent conductive films with enhanced photoelectric performance

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are regarded as a new generation of photoelectric material for transparent conductive films (TCFs) to replace indium tin oxide (ITO), on account of their superior conductivity, flexibility and stability. However, challenges still remain in the applications of AgNW-based TCFs to realize a combined enhancement of both transmission and conductivity. Herein, three types of AgNWs–ZnO composite TCFs were specifically designed to improve photoelectric properties. Through employing structurally controllable ZnO modifications on AgNWs, the contact architecture between AgNWs was optimized, enhancing optical performance and electron transport within the network. The results show that: (1) AgNWs/ZnO (Type-Ⅰ) with AgNWs deposited on a ZnO-nanoparticle (NP) film reaches a sheet resistance of 27.6 Ω·sq⁻¹ at a transmittance of 90.68%; (2) AgNWs@ZnO (Type-Ⅱ) with AgNWs encapsulated by ZnO NPs reaches 20.6 Ω·sq⁻¹ at 87.59%; (3) AgNWs⊥ZnO (Type-Ⅲ) with AgNWs integrated with ZnO nanotrees (NTs) achieves 44.0 Ω·sq⁻¹ at 89.60%. Furthermore, Type-Ⅰ TCFs show excellent photocatalysis, interfacial hydrophilicity, and flexibility. The comprehensive multifunctionality of AgNWs–ZnO composite TCFs proves the great potential for their development.