Solution-Processed Silver Nanowire as Flexible Transparent Electrodes in Organic Solar Cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted much attention due to their advantages in fabricating flexible and semi-transparent devices. Especially, the light weight, flexibility and spectral adjustability make OSCs superior to silicon, perovskite and other thin film based solar cells in applications of integrated photovoltaic devices and wearable electronics. In flexible and semi-transparent OSCs, transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) play a key role in obtaining high performances. Among various TCEs, silver nanowire (AgNW) has become a promising candidate due to its low sheet resistance, high optical transparency, excellent mechanical flexibility and solution processability. In this article, we review the recent advances in AgNW-based TCEs and their applications in the field of OSCs. Firstly, we introduce the general properties of AgNW, including optoelectronic and mechanical characteristics. Secondly, the preparation methods of AgNW are discussed, along with some approaches on the optimization of AgNW to overcome the shortcomings of TCEs. Thirdly, we discuss the applications of AgNW as TCEs in fabricating flexible and semi-transparent OSCs, including the use of AgNW as bottom and top electrodes. Finally, we point out the challenges in AgNW-based TCEs and suggest several guidelines for preparing AgNW so as to meet the demands for the practical use of OSCs.