Large-size graphene microsheets as a protective layer for transparent conductive silver nanowire film heaters

A new strategy is reported for the fabrication of silver nanowire (AgNW) film heaters using reduced small/or large-size graphene oxide (rSGO or rLGO) sheets as an over-coating protective layer. The results show that ultrathin rLGO microsheets provide the best combination of protective effect and electrical properties on AgNW networks and thus could enable the design of high-performance transparent film heaters. As a consequence, good optical transparency and electrical conductivity, good oxidation resistance and thermal stability, and good heating performances are achieved with as-made rLGO/AgNW film heaters. Specifically, the rLGO/AgNW hybrid film annealed at 700 °C shows a low sheet resistance of 27 Ω sq−1 and a good optical transparency of 80%. Furthermore, it exhibits good heating characteristics and defrosting performance at low voltages. The results presented here may pave the way for a new promising application of rLGO/AgNW hybrid film in transparent film heaters and other electrical devices.