Ionic Liquid-Enhanced Assembly of Nanomaterials for Highly Stable Flexible Transparent Electrodes

doi:10.1007/s40820-024-01333-4

Abstract

Abstract:

The controlled assembly of nanomaterials has demonstrated significant potential in advancing technological devices. However, achieving highly efficient and low-loss assembly technique for nanomaterials, enabling the creation of hierarchical structures with distinctive functionalities, remains a formidable challenge. Here, we present a method for nanomaterial assembly enhanced by ionic liquids, which enables the fabrication of highly stable, flexible, and transparent electrodes featuring an organized layered structure. The utilization of hydrophobic and nonvolatile ionic liquids facilitates the production of stable interfaces with water, effectively preventing the sedimentation of 1D/2D nanomaterials assembled at the interface. Furthermore, the interfacially assembled nanomaterial monolayer exhibits an alternate self-climbing behavior, enabling layer-by-layer transfer and the formation of a well-ordered MXene-wrapped silver nanowire network film. The resulting composite film not only demonstrates exceptional photoelectric performance with a sheet resistance of 9.4 Ω sq⁻¹ and 93% transmittance, but also showcases remarkable environmental stability and mechanical flexibility. Particularly noteworthy is its application in transparent electromagnetic interference shielding materials and triboelectric nanogenerator devices. This research introduces an innovative approach to manufacture and tailor functional devices based on ordered nanomaterials.

Key words: Ionic liquids, Assembly, Silver nanowires, MXene nanosheets, Flexible transparent electrodes

Jianmin Yang, Li Chang, Xiqi Zhang, Ziquan Cao, Lei Jiang. Ionic Liquid-Enhanced Assembly of Nanomaterials for Highly Stable Flexible Transparent Electrodes[J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 140-.

Jianmin Yang, Li Chang, Xiqi Zhang, Ziquan Cao, Lei Jiang. [J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 140-.

/ / Recommend / Download Citations

URL: https://www.qk.sjtu.edu.cn/nml/EN/10.1007/s40820-024-01333-4

https://www.qk.sjtu.edu.cn/nml/EN/Y2024/V16/I1/140

Figures/Tables 5

Fig. 1 Schematic and structure of the AgNW-MXene film prepared by IL-enhanced assembly combining with wetting-induced self-climbing processes. a After injecting the ethanol solution containing NMs and ILs onto the surface of water, NMs rapidly disperses across the IL-water interface due to the Marangoni effect, resulting in the formation of a monolayer assembly of NMs. b Schematic illustrations of NMs assembly at the IL-water interface induced by the individual miscibility of each component with water and IL. c Molecular interaction between ILs and the PVP. d Illustration of surface tension (γ) difference that drives the assembled AgNW and MXene film to flow from the IL-water interface onto the prewetted PET surface. The insets are the enlarged SEM images of the AgNW film and AgNW coated with MXene film. e Time-lapse images of wetting-induced climbing process for the AgNW film and MXene film assembled at the IL-water interface. The dash line marks the real-time position of the climbing film

Fig. 2 The influence of different additives on assembly of AgNWs onto water surface. a Schematic diagrams of AgNWs assembled on the water surface in three modes (no additive, toluene additive, and IL additive). b SEM images of the AgNWs assembled on the water surface with no additive, toluene additive and IL additive, respectively. c Corresponding images illustrating the area fraction of the open area ratio (OAR) to the covered area ratio (CAR)

Fig. 3 Tunable optoelectric performance and excellent mechanical property of the AgNW-based films. a Schematic diagrams of the electron motion of the AgNW film, welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film. The dependence of b transmittance, c sheet resistance and d Figure of Merit of the AgNW film, welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film on the number of AgNW climbing times. Changes in sheet resistance of the welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film e exposed to air at room temperature for 2 months, f under 200 °C for 1 h, and g immersed in a 5 wt% Na₂S solution for 1 h. Insets are the SEM images of the welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film under corresponding treatments. The variation in relative sheet resistance of the ITO, welded AgNW and welded AgNW-MXene film as a function of bending inward h and outward i with a diameter from 25 mm to 5 mm. Insets are the photographs of the welded AgNW-MXene film in normal and bending state, respectively. j Variation in ΔR / R0 versus the number of bending outward cycles from a diameter of 25 mm to 5 mm for the ITO, welded AgNW and welded AgNW-MXene film

Fig. 4 EMI shielding performance of the AgNW film, welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film. a Scheme of the EMI shielding test system. b Schematic diagram of EMI shielding mechanism of the welded AgNW-MXene film. c EMI SE in the frequency of 8.2-12.4 GHz, d average SER, SEA, SET values and e R, A coefficient of the AgNW film, welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film. Frequency dependence of f real and g imaginary part of relative complex permittivity, and h attenuation constant of the AgNW film, welded AgNW film and welded AgNW-MXene film

Fig. 5 Applications of the AgNWs-MXene electrodes in TENG. a Schematic illustration of the working mechanism of AgNWs-MXene-based TENG in contact-separation mode. b Current, c voltage and d charge of the TENG. e Voltage of the TENG with different contact frequency. f Variation of the current density and power density with the diverse loading resistance. g Durability measurement of the TENG, where the voltage is recorded for 3000 cycles at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. h The equivalent circuit of a self-charging system (top) and a photograph of powering the electronic watch by the charged capacitor of 22 μF (bottom). i Charging capability curves of the capacitors from 1 to 100 μF under 0.5 Hz. j Voltage real-time charge/discharge profile of a 22 μF capacitor connected in the self-charging system

References 47

1.	J. Han, J. Yang, W. Gao, H. Bai, Ice-templated, large-area silver nanowire pattern for flexible transparent electrode. Adv. Funct. Mater. 31, 2010155 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202010155
2.	S. Cho, S. Kang, A. Pandya, R. Shanker, Z. Khan et al., Large-area cross-aligned silver nanowire electrodes for flexible, transparent, and force-sensitive mechanochromic touch screens. ACS Nano 11, 4346-4357 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b01714
3.	X. Shi, Y. Zuo, P. Zhai, J. Shen, Y. Yang et al., Large-area display textiles integrated with functional systems. Nature 591, 240-245 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03295-8
4.	J.-L. Wang, Y.-R. Lu, H.-H. Li, J.-W. Liu, S.-H. Yu, Large area co-assembly of nanowires for flexible transparent smart windows. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 139, 9921-9926 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.7b03227
5.	H. Kim, M. Seo, J.-W. Kim, D.-K. Kwon, S.-E. Choi et al., Highly stretchable and wearable thermotherapy pad with micropatterned thermochromic display based on Ag nanowire-single-walled carbon nanotube composite. Adv. Funct. Mater. 29, 1901061 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201901061
6.	C. Qu, X. Yu, Y. Xu, S. Zhang, H. Liu et al., A sensing and display system on wearable fabric based on patterned silver nanowires. Nano Energy 104, 107965 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107965
7.	L. Zhang, X. Zhang, H. Zhang, L. Xu, D. Wang et al., Semi-embedded robust MXene/AgNW sensor with self-healing, high sensitivity and a wide range for motion detection. Chem. Eng. J. 434, 134751 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.134751
8.	W. Xiong, H. Liu, Y. Chen, M. Zheng, Y. Zhao et al., Highly conductive, air-stable silver Nanowire@Iongel composite films toward flexible transparent electrodes. Adv. Mater. 28, 7167-7172 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201600358
9.	J. Wang, M. Liang, Y. Fang, T. Qiu, J. Zhang et al., Rod-coating: towards large-area fabrication of uniform reduced graphene oxide films for flexible touch screens. Adv. Mater. 24, 2874-2878 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201200055
10.	H.-S. Lim, J.-M. Oh, J.-W. Kim, One-way continuous deposition of monolayer MXene nanosheets for the formation of two confronting transparent electrodes in flexible capacitive photodetector. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 13, 25400-25409 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c05769
11.	H.-M. Sim, H.-K. Kim, Highly flexible Ag nanowire network covered by a graphene oxide nanosheet for high-performance flexible electronics and anti-bacterial applications. Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater. 22, 794-807 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2021.1963640
12.	D. Wen, X. Wang, L. Liu, C. Hu, C. Sun et al., Inkjet printing transparent and conductive MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) films: a strategy for flexible energy storage devices. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 13, 17766-17780 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c00724
13.	R. Li, X. Ma, J. Li, J. Cao, H. Gao et al., Flexible and high-performance electrochromic devices enabled by self-assembled 2D TiO₂/MXene heterostructures. Nat. Commun. 12, 1587 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21852-7
14.	J.-W. Liu, J.-L. Wang, Z.-H. Wang, W.-R. Huang, S.-H. Yu, Manipulating nanowire assembly for flexible transparent electrodes. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 53, 13477-13482 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201408298
15.	J. Wang, C. Teng, Y. Jiang, Y. Zhu, L. Jiang, Wetting-induced climbing for transferring interfacially assembled large-area ultrathin pristine graphene film. Adv. Mater. 31, e1806742 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201806742
16.	G. Cai, P. Darmawan, M. Cui, J. Wang, J. Chen et al., Highly stable transparent conductive silver grid/PEDOT: PSS electrodes for integrated bifunctional flexible electrochromic supercapacitors. Adv. Energy Mater. 6, 1501882 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201501882
17.	F. Yin, H. Lu, H. Pan, H. Ji, S. Pei et al., Highly sensitive and transparent strain sensors with an ordered array structure of AgNWs for wearable motion and health monitoring. Sci. Rep. 9, 2403 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-38931-x
18.	T. Yun, H. Kim, A. Iqbal, Y.S. Cho, G.S. Lee et al., Electromagnetic shielding of monolayer MXene assemblies. Adv. Mater. 32, e1906769 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201906769
19.	C. Ma, H. Liu, C. Teng, L. Li, Y. Zhu et al., Wetting-induced fabrication of graphene hybrid with conducting polymers for high-performance flexible transparent electrodes. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 12, 55372-55381 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c15734
20.	Q. Fan, J. Miao, X. Liu, X. Zuo, W. Zhang et al., Biomimetic hierarchically silver nanowire interwoven MXene mesh for flexible transparent electrodes and invisible camouflage electronics. Nano Lett. 22, 740-750 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c04185
21.	Y. Han, Y. Liu, L. Han, J. Lin, P. Jin, High-performance hierarchical graphene/metal-mesh film for optically transparent electromagnetic interference shielding. Carbon 115, 34-42 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2016.12.092
22.	S.-K. Duan, Q.-L. Niu, J.-F. Wei, J.-B. He, Y.-A. Yin et al., Water-bath assisted convective assembly of aligned silver nanowire films for transparent electrodes. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 17, 8106-8112 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1039/C4CP05989A
23.	L. Chang, X. Zhang, Y. Ding, H. Liu, M. Liu et al., Ionogel/copper grid composites for high-performance, ultra-stable flexible transparent electrodes. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 10, 29010-29018 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b09023
24.	Z. Wang, X. Sun, Z. Guo, R. Xi, L. Xu et al., Fabrication of submicron linewidth silver grid/ionogel hybrid films for highly stable flexible transparent electrodes via asymmetric wettability template-assisted self-assembly. Chem. Eng. J. 469, 144065 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.144065
25.	A. Khan, V.H. Nguyen, D. Muñoz-Rojas, S. Aghazadehchors, C. Jiménez et al., Stability enhancement of silver nanowire networks with conformal ZnO coatings deposited by atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 10, 19208-19217 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b03079
26.	S.R. Das, Q. Nian, M. Saei, S. Jin, D. Back et al., Single-layer graphene as a barrier layer for intense UV laser-induced damages for silver nanowire network. ACS Nano 9, 11121-11133 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5b04628
27.	Y. Kim, T.I. Ryu, K.-H. Ok, M.-G. Kwak, S. Park et al., Inverted layer-by-layer fabrication of an ultraflexible and transparent Ag nanowire/conductive polymer composite electrode for use in high-performance organic solar cells. Adv. Funct. Mater. 25, 4580-4589 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201501046
28.	M. Naguib, M. Kurtoglu, V. Presser, J. Lu, J. Niu et al., Two-dimensional nanocrystals produced by exfoliation of Ti₃AlC₂. Adv. Mater. 23, 4248-4253 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201102306
29.	S. Bai, X. Guo, X. Zhang, X. Zhao, H. Yang, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-AgNW composite flexible transparent conductive films for EMI shielding. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 149, 106545 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2021.106545
30.	W. Chen, L.-X. Liu, H.-B. Zhang, Z.-Z. Yu, Flexible, transparent, and conductive Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-silver nanowire films with smart acoustic sensitivity for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding. ACS Nano 14, 16643-16653 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.0c01635
31.	H. Tang, H. Feng, H. Wang, X. Wan, J. Liang et al., Highly conducting MXene-silver nanowire transparent electrodes for flexible organic solar cells. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 11, 25330-25337 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b04113
32.	M. Cheng, M. Ying, R. Zhao, L. Ji, H. Li et al., Transparent and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding materials by constructing sandwich AgNW@MXene/wood composites. ACS Nano 16, 16996-17007 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c07111
33.	Z. Zeng, M. Chen, H. Jin, W. Li, X. Xue et al., Thin and flexible multi-walled carbon nanotube/waterborne polyurethane composites with high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding. Carbon 96, 768-777 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2015.10.004
34.	R. Liu, M. Miao, Y. Li, J. Zhang, S. Cao et al., Ultrathin biomimetic polymeric Ti₃C₂T _x MXene composite films for electromagnetic interference shielding. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 10, 44787-44795 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b18347
35.	Y. Cao, T.G. Morrissey, E. Acome, S.I. Allec, B.M. Wong et al., A transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable ionic conductor. Adv. Mater. 29, 1605099 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201605099
36.	Q. Tan, L. Yuan, G. Liang, A. Gu, Flexible, transparent, strong and high dielectric constant composite film based on polyionic liquid coated silver nanowire hybrid. Appl. Surf. Sci. 576, 151827 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.151827
37.	F. Shahzad, M. Alhabeb, C.B. Hatter, B. Anasori, S. Man Hong et al., Electromagnetic interference shielding with 2D transition metal carbides MXenes. Science 353, 1137-1140 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aag2421
38.	X. Chen, G. Xu, G. Zeng, H. Gu, H. Chen et al., Realizing ultrahigh mechanical flexibility and >15% efficiency of flexible organic solar cells via a welding flexible transparent electrode. Adv. Mater. 32, e1908478 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201908478
39.	Y. Tang, W. He, G. Zhou, S. Wang, X. Yang et al., A new approach causing the patterns fabricated by silver nanoparticles to be conductive without sintering. Nanotechnology 23, 355304 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/23/35/355304
40.	H.B. Lee, W.-Y. Jin, M.M. Ovhal, N. Kumar, J.-W. Kang, Flexible transparent conducting electrodes based on metal meshes for organic optoelectronic device applications: a review. J. Mater. Chem. C 7, 1087-1110 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TC04423F
41.	W.Y. Jin, M.M. Ovhal, H.B. Lee, B. Tyagi, J.W. Kang, Scalable, all-printed photocapacitor fibers and modules based on metal-embedded flexible transparent conductive electrodes for self-charging wearable applications. Adv. Energy Mater. 11(4), 2003509 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202003509
42.	K.-J. Ko, H.B. Lee, J.-W. Kang, Flexible, wearable organic light-emitting fibers based on PEDOT: PSS/Ag-fiber embedded hybrid electrodes for large-area textile lighting. Adv. Mater. Technol. 5, 2000168 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202000168
43.	Y. Cheng, Y. Lu, M. Xia, L. Piao, Q. Liu et al., Flexible and lightweight MXene/silver nanowire/polyurethane composite foam films for highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding and photothermal conversion. Compos. Sci. Technol. 215, 109023 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.109023
44.	M. Zhu, X. Yan, Y. Lei, J. Guo, Y. Xu et al., An ultrastrong and antibacterial silver nanowire/aligned cellulose scaffold composite film for electromagnetic interference shielding. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 14, 14520-14531 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c23515
45.	Q. Song, F. Ye, X. Yin, W. Li, H. Li et al., Carbon nanotube-multilayered graphene edge plane core-shell hybrid foams for ultrahigh-performance electromagnetic-interference shielding. Adv. Mater. 29, 1701583 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201701583
46.	L. Liang, G. Han, Y. Li, B. Zhao, B. Zhou et al., Promising Ti₃C₂T _x MXene/Ni chain hybrid with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding capacity. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 11, 25399-25409 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b07294
47.	H.-J. Kim, E.-C. Yim, J.-H. Kim, S.-J. Kim, J.-Y. Park et al., Bacterial nano-cellulose triboelectric nanogenerator. Nano Energy 33, 130-137 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.01.035

[1]	LIN Zhangpeng, YU Haidong, YUAN Ke. Model of Assembly Deviation of Irregular Large Thin-Walled Structures Based on Higher-Order Composite Shell Element [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2022, 56(5): 584-593.
[2]	GUO Jiawei, XU Zhijie, HE Qichang. Design of a Virtual Assembly Gesture Library and Optimization of Ergonomics Evaluation [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2022, 56(2): 127-133.
[3]	ZHU Wenmin, LUO Xiaomeng, FAN Xiumin, ZHANG Lei, CAI Junqi. Working Posture Generation Method for Virtual Human Based on Complete Reachable Region Analysis [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2022, 56(10): 1409-1419.
[4]	ZHANG Jie,ZHAO Xinming,ZHANG Peng,SHENG Xia,CHAO Xiaona,TIAN Fengxiang. Early Warning Method for Tardiness Precaution Oriented to Rocket Final Assembly Process [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2020, 54(3): 322-330.
[5]	QIAN Peng, WANG Guoliang, ZHU Wenfeng. Modeling and Optimization of 3D Assembly Tolerance for Window Lifting Under Flexible Deformation [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2020, 54(11): 1134-1141.
[6]	YAO Limin，ZHANG Daoliu，HOU Xiujuan，LIU Tao，LI Zhimin. Assembly Deviation Simulation Considering Welding Deformation Applied on Electric Multiple Unit [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2019, 53(3): 260-268.
[7]	LIU Xiaoling,YANG Yubing,YANG Peiran. Effects of Assembly Temperature on Thermal Reological Lubricating Performance with Load Impact in Ball Bearings [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2018, 52(5): 545-553.
[8]	SONG Tingting1,ZHAO Ziren1,DU Shichang1,REN Fei2,LIANG Xinguang2. Quality Analysis of Multi-Stage Assembly Systems Based on Markov Model [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2018, 52(3): 324-331.
[9]	GU Xinghai顾星海）,HUA Bao（花豹），LIU Yahui（刘亚辉）,SUN Xuemin（孙学民）,BAO Jinsong^∗（鲍劲松）. Semantic Entity Recognition and Relation Construction Method for Assembly Process Document [J]. J Shanghai Jiaotong Univ Sci, 2024, 29(3): 537-556.
[10]	CHEN Zhiyu, BAO Jinsong, ZHENG Xiaohu, LIU Tianyuan. Assembly Information Model Based on Knowledge Graph [J]. J Shanghai Jiaotong Univ Sci, 2020, 25(5): 578-588.
[11]	JIAO Qinglong (焦庆龙), XU Da (徐达). A Discrete Bat Algorithm for Disassembly Sequence Planning [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Science), 2018, 23(2): 276-285.
[12]	JING Peng, ZHAO Guo-hua, YANG Qing-feng, LI Chun-lei, LIU Rong-kun. Method of Dimensional Control for Vertically Constructed Jacket [J]. Ocean Engineering Equipment and Technology, 2018, 5(5): 339-345.
[13]	FANG Chun-wei, GAO Zhi-lin, WANG Yang-jian, LIU Jia, ZHOU Huan-yu, ZHANG Chen-xi. Research on Assembly Process of Reciprocating Natural Gas Compressor [J]. Ocean Engineering Equipment and Technology, 2018, 5(5): 309-313.
[14]	LIU Rong-kun, YANG Qing-feng, LI Jia-jun, CAO Hong-tao, WANG Xin, WANG Tian-yi, JING Peng. Application of Three-Dimensional Coordinate System to Dimensional Control of Large-Scale Modules [J]. Ocean Engineering Equipment and Technology, 2018, 5(4): 274-277.
[15]	Wenchao Zhao, Haifeng Zhou, Wenkang Li, Manlin Chen, Min Zhou, Long Zhao. An Environment-Tolerant Ion-Conducting Double-Network Composite Hydrogel for High-Performance Flexible Electronic Devices [J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 99-.

Please choose a citation manager

Content to export