Dictating anisotropic electric conductivity of a transparent copper nanowire coating by the surface structure of wood

• Published in: Journal of the Royal Society interface 2018-05, Vol.15 (142), p.20170864-20170864
• Main Authors: Guo, Huizhang, Büchel, Martin, Li, Xing, Wäckerlin, Aneliia, Chen, Qing, Burgert, Ingo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anisotropic Conductivity; Antioxidation; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Conductivity; Conductors; Copper; Corrosion resistance; Cu Nws; Electrical resistivity; Electronic devices; Electronic equipment; Fusion welding; Hydrophobicity; Life Sciences–Engineering interface; Nanotechnology; Nanowires; Oxidation; Paraffin; Paraffin wax; Photonics; Polyolefins; Protective coatings; Renewable resources; Repellency; Smart buildings; Substrates; Surface structure; Surface water; Sustainable yield; Wood; Wood Surface
• ISSN: 1742-5689; 1742-5662
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0864

In this article, a robust, air-stable, flexible and transparent copper (Cu) nanowire (NW) network coating on the surface of the wood is presented, based on a fusion welding of the Cu NWs by photonic curing. Thereby, an anisotropic conductivity can be achieved, which is originating from the structural organization of the wood body and its surface. Furthermore, the Cu NWs are protected from oxidation or wear by a commercially available paraffin wax—polyolefin, which also results in surface water repellency. The developed processing steps present a facile and flexible routine for applying Cu NW transparent conductors to abundant biomaterials and solve current manufacturing obstacles for corrosion-resistant circuits while keeping the natural appearance of the substrate. It may open a venue for more extensive utilization of materials from renewable resources such as wood for electronic devices in smart buildings or mobility applications.