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

Despite a century of research, the inability to design flexible transparent electrodes with low cost and high stability has been the greatest obstacle in realizing flexible electronics. Herein, we report the growth of self-assembled SnO2 nanoshells on thin copper nanowire (Cu NW) networks using a simple and effective solution method. In addition, the SnO2–Cu NW flexible films exhibit an extremely low sheet resistance of ∼13.6 Ω/sq, with ∼83.5% optical transparency. In harsh environments (such as strong oxidation, heat, and humidity conditions), the films demonstrate excellent resistance stability, which can compete with the resistance stability of noble silver nanowire films. Particularly, the films are robust and able to withstand a high temperature of 210 °C without any deterioration of performance. Employing the outstanding stability of SnO2–Cu NWs, we also demonstrate the macroscopic use of a transparent conductor in a flexible transparent heater.