Transparent micropatterned conductive films based on highly-ordered nanowire network

Transparent conductive films that are based on nanowire networks are essential to construct flexible, wearable, and even stretchable electronics. However, large-scale precise micropatterning, especially with regard to the controllability of the organizing orientation of nanowires, is a critical challenge. Herein, we proposed a liquid film rupture self-assembly approach for manufacturing transparent conductive films with microstructure arrays based on a highly ordered nanowire network. The large-scale microstructure conductive films were fabricated through air–liquid interface self-assembly and liquid film rupture self-assembly. Six typical micropattern morphologies, including square, hexagon, circle, serpentine, etc., were prepared to reveal the universal applicability of the proposed approach. The homogeneity and controllability of this approach were verified for multiple assemblies. With the assembly cycles increasing, the optical transmittance decreases slightly. In addition, theoretical model analysis is carried out, and the analytical formula of the speed of the film moving with the surface tension and the density of the liquid film is presented. Finally, the feasibility of this approach for piezoresistive strain sensors is verified. This fabrication approach demonstrated a cost-effective and efficient method for precisely arranging nanowires, which is useful in transparent and wearable applications.