Transparent Electrode with Plated Metal Wire and Conductive Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent electrodes for organic electroluminescent elements and solar cells require low resistance and high storability, with current methods failing to provide a balance between conductivity and durability, especially under high temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transparent electrode comprising a substrate with a conductive metal layer featuring thin metal wires plated with a plating layer and covered by a transparent conductive layer, where the thin metal wires are formed using metal nanoparticle or complex inks, and the transparent conductive layer contains conductive polymers, enhancing conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thin metal wires are formed using metal nanoparticle ink or metal complex ink, then conductivity is improved, but oxidation resistance and storability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thin metal wires with a transparent conductive layer containing conductive polymers. This composite structure provides both high conductivity from the metal wires and oxidation resistance from the protective transparent conductive layer, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and oxidation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layer acts as an intermediary between the thin metal wires and the environment. It mediates the protection of metal wires from oxidation while maintaining electrical conductivity, thus solving the contradiction between conductivity improvement and oxidation resistance deterioration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a plating layer is added to cover the thin metal wire, then oxidation resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides oxidation resistance, maintains transparency for display applications, and ensures electrical conductivity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a transparent conductive layer is formed over the plated thin metal wire, then storability and oxidation resistance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of oxidation protection and conductivity enhancement into a single transparent conductive layer. This layer is formed in one manufacturing step using conventional techniques, combining multiple protective and functional properties without requiring separate processing steps for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves low resistance and high storability, reducing oxidation and improving durability, making it suitable for organic electroluminescent elements and solar cells, while maintaining transparency and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a plating layer covering the thin metal wire
Implementation Method 2
reducing oxidation and improving durability
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent electrode includes: a substrate; and a conductive metal layer on the substrate. The conductive metal layer has a thin metal wire and a plating layer. The plating layer covers the thin metal wire. The transparent electrode further includes a transparent conductive layer on a surface of the substrate on a side on which the thin metal wire is formed. The transparent conductive layer covers the substrate and the conductive metal layer. The thin metal wire is formed using a metal nanoparticle ink or a metal complex ink.