Transparent conductive films based on Ag nanowires and alginate hydrogel

In this study, we report that the high-performance transparent conductive films based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) can be fabricated in a single-step spin-coating process by simply introducing a biocompatible polymer (alginate, Alg) into an aqueous suspension of AgNWs. The presence of Alg in the aqueous suspension enables AgNWs to be deposited on the substrate at a higher density, and AgNWs are uniformly distributed on the substrate without aggregation. In addition, through the treatment process using CaCl2 aqueous solution, the conductivity of the AgNWs films can be further improved and their adhesion to the substrate is also enhanced.