Effect of macroscale mesh design of metal nanowire networks on the conductive properties for stretchable electrodes

Elastic, deformable electrodes have attracted substantial interest owing to their applicability in unconventional stretchable devices. In this study, we investigate the effect of tensile strain on the conductive properties of gold nanowire (AuNW) network electrodes with macroscale mesh structures (mesh-shaped AuNW network electrodes) and the mechanism by which the mesh structure affects its conductivity, with the aim of maintaining a stable conductivity as the electrodes are stretched. At 150% elongation, the proposed AuNW macroscale mesh exhibited a relative resistance change ( Δ R / R 0) of 11, as opposed to 30 for AuNW network electrodes without a mesh structure. Microstructural analysis revealed that resistance changes in the mesh-shaped AuNW network electrodes depend on the electrode stretching direction and the current direction within the network. Our experimental and analytical results provide a basis for optimizing the mesh design for metal nanowire networks used in stretchable electrodes.