Embedded metal mesh as transparent conductors and its application for touch panels
Zheng Cui
Printable Electronics Research Center
，
Suzhou Institute of Nanotech, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Suzhou Industrial Park, China
E-mail:
Transparent conductive films based on metal mesh structures have been developed at the
Printable Electronics Research Center (PERC), Suzhou Institute of Nanotech. The metal
mesh is made by embedding silver nanoparticles inks into trenches which are patterned by
high resolution nanoimprinting technology. Compared to other types of transparent
conductors, the embedded metal mesh has much lower sheet resistance (<1 ohm/sq) while
still maintaining high transparency (>88%). A roll-to-roll printing processes have been
developed to manufacture the transparent conductive films in large scale. The transparent
conductive films have been successfully applied to making touch panels for display,
demonstrating considerable advantages over ITO. In addition to the metal mesh development,
other research activities related to transparent electronics at PERC will also be introduced,
including printable ITO inks, printed metal oxide thin-film transistors and making top
electrode for semi-transparent solar cells by printing silver nanowires ink, etc.
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