Iodine ion modification enables Ag nanowire film with improved carrier transport properties and stability as high-performance transparent conductor

Ag nanowire (NW) film is the promising next generation transparent conductor. However, the residual long-chain polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, introduced during the synthesis of Ag NWs) layer greatly deteriorates the carrier transport capability of the Ag NW film and as well its long-term stability. Here, we report a one-step I− ion modification strategy to completely replace the PVP layer with an ultrathin, dense layer of I− ions, which not only greatly diminishes the resistance of the Ag NW film itself and that at interface of the Ag NW film and a functional layer (e.g., a current collect electrode) but also effectively isolates the approaching of corrosive species. Consequently, this strategy can simultaneously improve the carrier transport properties of the Ag NW film and its long-term stability, making it an ideal electric component in diverse devices. For example, the transparent heater and pressure sensor made from the I−-wrapped Ag NW film, relative to their counterparts made from the PVP-wrapped Ag NW film, deliver much improved heating performance and pressure sensing performance, respectively. These results suggest a facile post treatment approach for thin Ag NW film with improved carrier transport properties and long-term stability, thereby greatly facilitating its downstream applications.