Flexible transparent conductive ZnSnO/Cu/ZnSnO multilayer films for flexible transparent heaters

The characteristics of low-cost ZnSnO/Cu/ZnSnO multilayer films as potential flexible transparent electrodes and heaters are investigated. The multilayer films show a low sheet resistance of 9.92 Omega/sq. at optical transmittance of 81.2%. Calculation of figure of merit shows a large value of 173.2, which is superior to that obtained from the flexible ITO and other Cu based hybrid films. The resistance remains nearly constant after 1000 bending cycles and 100 tape tests, indicating good flexibility and adhesivity. Furthermore, the multilayers also exhibit excellent stability under hot and humid environment. Finally, the successful implementation of the multilayer films into a flexible transparent film heater is demonstrated, verifying the applicability.