Method of making transparent conductive electrodes comprising merged metal nanowires

1. A method of making a transparent conductive electrode, comprising:

providing a substrate;

forming a substantial single layer comprising a metal nanowire network which comprises a plurality of intersection points on the substrate; and

forming metal nanowire junctions using a liquid phase sintering process,

wherein forming a substantial single layer comprising a metal nanowire network which comprises a plurality of intersection points on the substrate comprises:

preparing an ink solution comprising metal nanowires in a first solvent,

applying the ink solution onto the substrate to form a coated film,

before the removal of the solvent in the coated film, placing the coated film in an acid environment and then in a basic environment, and

annealing the coated film at a temperature between 80° C. and 150° C.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid phase sintering process is performed on two or more nanowires of the metal nanowire network at the cylindrical curvature.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming metal nanowire junctions using a liquid phase sintering process comprises:

placing the substantial single layer under an atmosphere saturate with a second solvent,

controlling a continuous dissolving and re-precipitation process of the metal nanowire at the cross point, and

drying the substantial single layer to form a conductive film.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming metal nanowire junctions using a liquid phase sintering process comprises:

forming merged metal nanowire junctions by reducing the evaporation rate of the first solvent at a first temperature, and

annealing the film having the merged metal nanowire junctions at a second temperature.