Hybrid transparent conductive electrodes with copper nanowires embedded in a zinc oxide matrix and protected by reduced graphene oxide platelets

Transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) were fabricated by combining three emerging nano-materials: copper nanowires (CuNWs), zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-particulate thin films, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) platelets. Whereas CuNWs are responsible for essentially all of the electrical conductivity of our thin-film TCEs, the ZnO matrix embeds and strengthens the CuNW network in its adhesion to the substrate, while the rGO platelets provide a protective overcoat for the composite electrode, thereby improving its stability in hot and humid environments. Our CuNW/ZnO/rGO hybrid electrodes deposited on glass substrates have low sheet resistance (R_s ∼ 20 Ω/sq) and fairly high optical transmittance (T₅₅₀ ∼ 79%). In addition, our hybrid TCEs are mechanically strong and able to withstand multiple scotch-tape peel tests. Finally, these TCEs can be fabricated on rigid glass as well as flexible plastic substrates.