Intrinsically stretchable transparent electrodes based on silver-nanowire–crosslinked-polyacrylate composites

Stretchable transparent composites have been synthesized consisting of a silver nanowire (AgNW) network embedded in the surface layer of a crosslinked poly(acrylate) matrix. The interpenetrating networks of AgNWs and the crosslinked polymer matrix lead to high surface conductivity, high transparency, and rubbery elasticity. The presence of carboxylic acid groups on the polymer chains enhances the bonding between AgNWs and the polymer matrix, and further increases the stretchability of the composites. The sheet resistance of the composite electrode increases by only 2.3 times at 50% strain. Repeated stretching to 50% strain and relaxation only causes a small increase of the sheet resistance after 600 cycles. The morphology of the composites during reversible stretching and relaxation has been investigated to expound the conductivity changes.