Nanowire organisation method could mean cheaper screens

The nanowires are then transformed into transparent, conductive films and coated onto glass or plastic for applications in displays on mobile phones, e-readers and iPads. They could also be utilised to build foldable electronics and improved solar cells, according to new research.



According to Duke University, the research shows that the copper nanowire films have the same properties as those currently used in electronic devices and solar cells, but are less expensive to manufacture.

The films that currently connect pixels in electronic screens are made of indium tin oxide (ITO). It is highly transparent, which transmits the information well. However, ITO film must be deposited from a vapour in a process that is reportedly slow and, once the ITO is in the device, it cracks easily. Indium is also an expensive rare-earth element, costing as much as $800 (£512) per kilogram.



These problems have driven worldwide efforts to find less expensive materials that can be coated or printed like ink at much faster speeds to make low-cost, transparent conducting films, Wiley said.