Rational design of robust Cu@Ag core-shell nanowires for wearable electronics applications

Authors

Yu Chieh Kuo, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Jiajun Fan, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Lingqing Zong, UNSW Sydney
Fandi Chen, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Ziheng Feng, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Chao Liu, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Tao Wan, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Zi Gu, UNSW Sydney
Long Hu, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Peiyuan Guan, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Chun Ho Lin, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Mengyao Li, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Yeqing Xu, University of Wollongong
Caiyun Wang, University of Wollongong
Zhaojun Han, UNSW Sydney
Dewei Chu, University of New South Wales, School of Materials Science and Engineering

Publication Name

Chemical Engineering Journal

Abstract

Copper nanowires (CuNWs) have shown great potential as transparent electrodes for cost-effective wearable electronics. However, its unsatisfactory electrical conductivity and intrinsic susceptibility to oxidation hinder practical applications. To address these issues, herein, ultra-stable Cu@Ag core–shell NWs have been designed via a facile galvanic replacement method for wearable applications. The thermal stability of the NWs is significantly enhanced after introducing Ag, and superior stability is achieved with a more uniform Ag coating. The structural integrity of the percolation networks is basically maintained after 5 days’ annealing treatment at a high temperature (≥150 °C). The devices based on core–shell NWs show reliable heating performance, and can further be used for defrosting and heating water/ice applications. Owing to optimized contact between Ag-coated NWs, the devices exhibit excellent mechanical performance under repetitive bending. Based on above structural design, the resultant strain sensors show high sensitivity, good repeatability and a wide sensing range, which are capable to detect various hand gestures and communicate with Morse code. Furthermore, the fabricated core–shell NWs show robust antibacterial activity, which is essential for wearable healthcare applications, outperforming that of pristine CuNWs. This work provides a promising way for the design of high-performance metal NWs for advanced wearable electronics.

Open Access Status

This publication may be available as open access

Volume

496

Article Number

154001

Funding Number

DP210100879

Funding Sponsor

Australian Research Council