Systems, compositions, and methods for using
reactive magnetron sputtering to encapsulate
nanowire networks to improve their chemical, thermal, and
electrical stability while maintaining transparency are disclosed. For example, oxynitride films are deposited onto silver
nanowire networks using full-
metal targets without imparting
oxidative damage onto the nanowires. The oxynitrides can be deposited using residual
water vapor in the chamber that can take
advantage of relatively poor vacuum conditions, which would be compatible with high-volume roll-to-roll
sputtering approaches, and would also reduce the cost of encapsulating sensitive
metal nanostructures which would encounter high temperatures, currents, or
humidity. The resulting films can be applicable in a wide variety of fields as transparent encapsulants, where
metal nanostructures would need to be protected from harsh environmental conditions and / or high temperatures-including but not limited to:
solar cell electrodes, transparent heaters, touch screens, and LEDs.