Current Photovoltaic Research ISSN:2288-3274(Print) 2508-125X(Online)

We propose a low temperature sol-gel ZnO/Ag nanowire composite thin film to fulfill low temperature and low cost requirements, which are essential criteria in future flexible electronic devices. In this proposed thin film, Ag nanowire plays the role of electrical conduction, and sol-gel ZnO provides a structural medium with a high visible transmittance. Low temperature restriction in the sol-gel fabrication process prevents sufficient oxidation of Zn acetate precursors, which were solved by a post-coating treatment with ultraviolet light irradiation. Composite thin film formation was performed by spin coating methods with a mixed precursor solution or in a sequential manner. We obtained an average visible transmittance larger than 85% and a sheet resistance smaller than 50Ω/sq. After optimization in a fabricated composite transparent conductive thin film with the thickness around 100 nm. Similar experimental demonstration in a flexible substrate (polyethyleneterephthalate) was successful, which implies a promising application opportunity of this technology.