Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and random metal nanowire films have emerged positively as preferred alternative ITO substitute materials in various research projects.
Suitable ITO alternatives
A research team from the University of Surrey (UK) led by Professor Alan Dalton, in collaboration with Oxford-based touch sensor manufacturer M-SOLV Ltd, has been looking for the most suitable ITO atlernative. And compared all the advantages and disadvantages of already known materials. The result: Silver Nanowires is the key to flexible, future touchscreen applications.
ITO's Strongest Competitor: Silver Nanowire
The study shows why silver nanowire films can be classified as the strongest ITO competitor and how its properties can even surpass those of ITO.
According to research team member Matthew Large, the use of silver nanowire has not only been identified as a viable ITO substitute. They even went one step further by increasing performance by means of an "ultrasonication" process. By exposing the material to high-frequency sound energy, it could be manipulated to determine how long the nano-sized silver "rods" should be. With this process, it is therefore possible to influence the transparency and conductivity of the film in such a way that it is optimally suited for technologies such as solar cells and electronic displays.
Cost factor still a problem
There are already devices equipped with materials produced using similar methods. However, the method presented in the report has been optimized to be less energy-intensive and therefore better suited for flexible device applications. By the way, the nanowire films are processed using the same vice technique as ITO, which greatly simplifies the transition from ITO to nanowire. Currently, the current purchase price of silver nanowire is still a limiting factor. For this reason, the research team, together with M-SOLV and a graphene supplier Thomas Swan, is still working on a passable nanowire-graphene combination to solve the "cost factor" problem.
The full study results were published last month in Materials Today Communications magazine. Further information can also be found at the URL below.
