Flexible Transparent Electrodes via a Grid-Patterned Structure of Epitaxially Synthesized Ag-Au Core-Shell Nanowire Networks.

This study describes the synthesis of silver-gold core-shell nanowires and their integration into transparent heaters with well-defined grid patterns. By employing a controlled epitaxial growth strategy, we achieved uniform formation of gold shells on silver nanowires, which prevents structural degradation of the silver core and imparts exceptional chemical stability. This approach enables the fabrication of transparent heaters that combine high electrical conductivity, excellent optical transmittance, and outstanding durability. The fabricated heaters have a low sheet resistance of 14.2 Ω/sq and an optical transmittance exceeding 85% at 550 nm, while maintaining stable and robust performance under corrosive conditions, such as exposure to hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. The heaters achieve uniform and stable Joule heating performance, effectively removing frost within 15 s and clearing fog within 7 s, making them suitable for automotive windshields, camera sensors, and outdoor electronic displays. This research establishes a platform for high-performance, durable, and transparent heating devices and highlights the significant potential of silver-gold core-shell nanowires for next-generation optoelectronic and thermal management applications.