Patterned transparent electrode with a continuous distribution of silver nanowires produced by an etching-free patterning method

The outstanding electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of silver nanowire transparent electrodes are attractive for use in many optoelectronic devices, and the recent developments related to these electrodes have led to their commercialization. To more fully utilize the advantages of this technology, developing new process technologies in addition to performance improvements is important. In this report, we propose a novel ultra-simple patterning technology to generate a silver nanowire transparent layer and a unique patterned structure with continuously distributed silver nanowires without any etched areas. The patterning is conducted by exposure to ultraviolet light and rinsing. The exposed and unexposed regions of the resulting layer have dramatically different electrical conductivities, which produces an electrical pathway without using any etching or lift-off processes. The unique patterned structure produced by this etching-free method creates hardly any optical difference between the two regions and results in excellent visibility of the patterned transparent electrode layer.