Solution-Processable Ag-Mediated ZnO Nanowires for Scalable Low-Temperature Fabrication of Flexible Devices

We present a scalable and vacuum-free hybrid nanoarchitecturing strategy demonstrated by the solution-processable Ag-mediated ZnO nanowire (termed “SPAZN”) growth on transparent and flexible substrates at low temperature. The SPAZN protocol enables selective hydrothermal ZnO nanowire (ZNW) growth on a nanoporous Ag framework obtainable from mild annealing of ionic Ag ink coating. The ZNW morphology and density can be readily controlled by tuning the SPAZN processing parameters including Ag ink concentration, coating condition, and hydrothermal growth temperature based on the underpinnings of the Ag-morphology-mediated ZNW growth mechanism proposed. We exemplify a transparent plastic gas sensor as one of many promising applications.