Silver nanowires-115 nm

Catalog	ACM7440224
CAS	7440-22-4
Structure
Description	diam. × L 115 nm × 20-50 μm, 0.5% (isopropyl alcohol suspension)
Synonyms	Silver nanofibers, Silver nanowhiskers, Silver nanowire
Molecular Weight	107.87
Molecular Formula	Ag
Canonical SMILES	[Ag]
InChI	1S/Ag
InChI Key	BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Application	Silver Nanowires are useful in a wide variety of conductive, optical and anti-microbial applications such as Touchscreen displays, Medical Imaging and Sterile Clothing.
Storage	Storage Class Code: 3 - Flammable liquids
Content	concentration: 0.5% (isopropyl alcohol suspension)
Fiber Diameter	115 nm
Form	liquid (suspension)
Length	20-50 μm
MDL Number	MFCD00003397
Packaging	25 mL in glass bottle
Type	nanowires

Case Study

Effect of Length and Diameter on the Optoelectronic Properties of Silver Nanowire Networks

Sorel, Sophie, et al. Nanotechnology, 2012, 23(18), 185201.

The optoelectronic characteristics of silver nanowire networks were analyzed based on nanowire dimensions by examining the transmittance (T) and sheet resistance (Rs) of numerous networks with different thicknesses, made from wires of varying diameters (D) and lengths (L).
Key Findings
• While the bulk-like DC conductivity of these networks increases linearly with wire length, the optical conductivity remains constant regardless of wire length.
• The ratio of DC to optical conductivity, commonly used as a performance metric, varies with wire diameter and length approximately as σ_DC,B/σ_Op ∝ L/D.
• The study indicated that networks with transmittance greater than 90%, considered technologically significant, adhered to percolation theory. Here, the relationship between T and Rs is influenced by two factors: the percolation exponent, n, and the percolation figure of merit, denoted as s. It was observed that n decreases and s increases as D diminishes, indicating that networks with smaller diameter wires exhibit enhanced optoelectrical performance.
• This was further validated by calculating the expected sheet resistance for a network with T = 90%, which showed a rapid decline as D decreased. It was estimated that by using wires with D = 25 nm, a sheet resistance as low as R T=90% s = 10Ω/sq could be achieved.

Transparent Conductive Silver Nanowire Films via Rod Coating and HCl Treatment

Liu, Cai-Hong, et al. Nanoscale research letters, 2011, 6, 1-8.

This study developed transparent, conductive silver nanowire (Ag NW) films using rod coating followed by hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapor treatment to remove surface oxidation. Post-treatment, the films achieved a resistivity of 175 Ω/sq and ~75% transmittance. Resistivity decreased inversely with film thickness or reduced transparency. The electrodes also demonstrated exceptional flexibility, maintaining a resistance change rate below 2% after 100+ bending cycles.
Preparation of Silver Nanowire Films
• A diluted Ag NW dispersion (~1 mg/mL in isopropyl alcohol) was sonicated for 30 minutes. The suspension was applied to PET substrates (50 × 100 mm) using manually controlled wire-wound rods (#10 and #20) via manual rod coating. Air-dried layers were stacked as needed, producing uniform films. Three Ag NW variants were tested: 1# (diameter: 66 nm, length: 7.4 μm), 2# (102 nm, 15 μm), and 3# (122 nm, 34 μm), with dimensions increasing from 1# to 3#.
• To enhance conductivity, films were exposed to HCl vapor (20–60°C) from concentrated HCl for 5–10 minutes, eliminating surface oxides. Due to weak PET adhesion, a protective layer was applied: colorless nail polish was spread uniformly using a glass vial or rod, forming a solid coating after 1 minute of air drying. The process preserved the Ag NW layer without scratches or damage.