Self-assembled Growth of SnO2 Nanoshells on Copper Nanowires for Stable and Transparent Conductors

Despite a century of research, the inability to designflexibletransparent electrodes with low cost and high stability has been thegreatest obstacle in realizing flexible electronics. Herein, we reportthe growth of self-assembled SnO2 nanoshells on thin coppernanowire (Cu NW) networks using a simple and effective solution method.In addition, the SnO2-Cu NW flexible films exhibitan extremely low sheet resistance of similar to 13.6 omega/sq, with similar to 83.5% optical transparency. In harsh environments (such asstrong oxidation, heat, and humidity conditions), the films demonstrateexcellent resistance stability, which can compete with the resistancestability of noble silver nanowire films. Particularly, the filmsare robust and able to withstand a high temperature of 210 degrees Cwithout any deterioration of performance. Employing the outstandingstability of SnO2-Cu NWs, we also demonstrate themacroscopic use of a transparent conductor in a flexible transparentheater.