Ag Nanofibers with Ultrahigh Aspect Ratios Fabricated by Catalytic Reduction of Solution Blowspun AgNO₃/PVA/PVP-mixed Nanofibers

Abstract

Ag nanofiber (NF)-based networks have attracted significant attention as next-generation flexible conductive materials. Ag NFs with high aspect ratios decrease the number density required for percolation; hence, they form qualitatively superior conductive films. Previously, we developed a novel method for fabricating Ag NFs via Pt nanoparticle-assisted hydrogen-free reduction of Ag⁺- containing polymers. This method enables rapid preparation of Ag NFs in high yields. Electrospinning was utilized for producing Ag⁺containing precursor NFs. Nevertheless, it was diffi cult to achieve Ag NFs with high aspect ratios due to fiber discontinuity resulting from the limited amount of Ag⁺ in the electrospinning solution. In this study, in order to improve the previous method, highly concentrated AgNO₃-containing polymer NFs were produced using solution blowspinning instead of electrospinning. Ag NFs with ultrahigh aspect ratios of over 10⁵ were fabricated via catalytic reduction of solution blowspun AgNO₃-containing polymer NFs. Ag NF networks with low sheet resistance were produced, thereby demonstrating their potential applicability as flexible transparent electrodes and transparent film heaters.