High performance hybrid rGO/Ag quasi-periodic mesh transparent electrodes for flexible electrochromic devices

Abstract A possibility of creating a stable hybrid coating based on the hybrid of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ag quasi-periodic mesh (q-mesh) coating has been demonstrated. The main advantages of the suggested method are the low cost of the processes and the technology scalability. The Ag q-mesh coating is formed by means of the magnetron sputtering of silver on the original template obtained as a result of quasi-periodic cracking of a silica film. The protective rGO film is formed by low temperature reduction of a graphene oxide (GO) film, applied by the spray-deposition in the solution of NaBH4. The coatings have low sheet resistance (12.3 Ω/sq) and high optical transparency (82.2%). The hybrid coatings are characterized by high chemical stability, as well as they show high stability to deformation impacts. High performance of the hybrid coatings as electrodes in the sandwich-system «electrode–electrochromic composition–electrode» has been demonstrated. The hybrid electrodes allow the electrochromic sandwich to function without any visible degradation for a long time, while an unprotected mesh electrode does not allow performing even a single switching cycle.