Using a nanosecond laser to pattern copper nanowire-based flexible electrodes: From simulation to practical application

[Display omitted] •Copper nanowires were patterned directly on flexible substrate by nanosecond laser.•Laser parameters were optimized based on the simulation and experiment results.•Patterned copper nanowires electrode turns a traditional smart-window to a transparent display. Copper nanowire (Cu NW) electrodes have shown promise for use in next-generation transparent conducting films due to their high electrical conductivity, low-cost solution-based synthesis processes, and high transmittance properties. Recently, the use of lasers for the modification of nanostructures has received considerable attention. Despite the advantages of laser machining such as producing any shape in an accurate, time-saving, non-contact process, the laser patterning of Cu NW electrodes has not been extensively studied, particularly the heat effect of the laser irradiation process on the flexible substrate. In this report, we present experimental and computational results of a selective and direct patterning process by using nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The experimental and simulation results were used to optimize the laser ablation parameters for the patterning process of the ultra-long Cu NW transparent electrodes so as to not damage the flexible substrates. Finally, a bifunctional flexible smart-window was fabricated to demonstrate a practical application of the laser-patterned Cu NW electrodes.