Beneficial Effect of Manganese(II) Ions on the Morphology of Polyol Synthesised Silver Nanowires

Abstract

Abstract: Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) is a potential material to be used as the transparent conductive electrode (TCE) material, in the flexible electronic applications. The polyol method is the commonly used technique to synthesis the silver nanowires. The growth of the silver nanowires is facilitated by the oxidative etching of the silver seed particles. The present work investigates the influence of the manganese(II) ions to promote the growth of silver nanowires. The manganese(II) ions, due to its multiple oxidation states, play an essential role in removing the dissolved atomic oxygen, which prevent the growth of longer nanowires. Its effect on the length and diameter of the silver nanowires is studied in detail with different concentration levels. Characterization tools, such as X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy (FESEM and TEM) and UV–VIS spectroscopy are used to characterise the synthesised silver nanowires. The addition of manganese(II) ions alters the aspect ratio of the silver nanowires that in turn, affects the optoelectrical properties of the TCE films. By using the synthesised silver nanowires, transparent heaters are successfully fabricated and their performances under different conditions are evaluated. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2020, The Korean Institute of Metals and Materials.