INTRODUCTION
Nanomaterials are characterized by structural components that are smaller than 100
nanometres, enabling them to exhibit unique properties compared to bulk materials. These
materials can be categorized as metals, semiconductors, polymers, or composites, and one of
their key applications is in thin films—thin layers of material that are applied to a substrate.
Thin films have a wide range of applications, particularly in fields such as optoelectronics,
where they enhance the functionality of displays, light-emitting devices, and photodetectors.
Additionally, thin films are essential in coatings, providing protective and functional layers
that improve the durability and resistance of various surfaces. In sensor technology,
nanomaterial-based thin films enable the development of highly sensitive and precise devices
for environmental monitoring, health diagnostics, and industrial processes. Moreover, in
energy storage systems, such as batteries and supercapacitors, nanomaterials in thin films
contribute to improved performance through their high conductivity and enhanced surface
area.
Copper nanowires (Cu-NWs) represent a specific type of nanomaterial with promising
applications in several fields. One prominent use of copper nanowires is in transparent
conductive films (TCFs), where their combination of high conductivity and transparency
makes them ideal for flexible displays, touchscreens, and solar cells. The flexibility of copper
nanowires also allows them to be integrated into flexible electronics, such as wearable
devices, flexible sensors, and foldable displays. Additionally, copper nanowires are explored
in energy devices like batteries and supercapacitors, where their conductivity and high
surface area enhance the efficiency and storage capabilities of these systems.
Silver nanowires (Ag-NWs) are another highly versatile nanomaterial, valued for their
exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as their optical properties. Unlike
many other materials, silver nanowires offer a unique combination of flexibility,
transparency, and conductivity, making them suitable for a variety of advanced applications.
In TCFs, silver nanowires are commonly used in transparent electrodes for displays,
touchscreens, and photovoltaic cells, offering superior flexibility and conductivity compared
to traditional materials like indium tin oxide (ITO). Additionally, silver nanowires are
instrumental in the development of flexible sensors, including pressure, strain, and
biosensors, owing to their high sensitivity and conductivity. These properties make silver
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nanowires an ideal choice for next-generation technologies in flexible and wearable
electronics
LITERATURE REVIEW
REFERENCE LITERATURE INFERENCE
Copper/silver nanoparticle The researchers will be
Lili jiang (2013) incorporated graphene films investigating the electrical
prepared by a low- and optical properties of the
temperature solution method composite films. They are
for transparent conductive aiming to find the optimal
electrodes amount of metal
nanoparticles to achieve a
balance between high
conductivity and good
transparency.
The Synthesis and Coating of Cu-NW films are a promising
Aaron R. Rathmell (2015) Long, Thin Copper Nanowires alternative to ITO for flexible,
to Make Flexible, Transparent transparent conductive films,
Conducting Films on Plastic combining high electrical
Substrates conductivity, flexibility, and
scalability with significantly
lower costs.
Synthesis of Copper It is a simple and
Sasaki (2016) Nanoparticles within the straightforward process, and it
Interlayer Space of can be used to produce
Titania Nanosheet Transparent copper nanoparticles with a
Films. narrow size distribution.
Additionally, the copper
nanoparticles are well-
dispersed within the TNS film,
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which could be beneficial for
some applications.
Optical properties of Impact of Sample Thickness
[Link] (2016) composites based on a and Nanoparticle Properties.
transparent matrix and copper Understanding the optical
nanoparticles. properties of these composites
can aid in the development of
new materials with tailored
optical characteristics for
applications like lasers, optical
filters, and imaging systems.
Synthesis of copper nanowires Synthesized CuNW showed
Ranlong Wang (2016) and its application to flexible good flexibility and no
transparent electrode conductive degradation and
achieved a good transparency.
How Copper Nanowires Grow By enhancing control over
Benjamin J. Wiley (2016) and How to Control Their growth conditions and
Properties protecting the nanowires from
degradation, researchers are
moving toward scalable
production of nanomaterials
A highly flexible transparent This new type of TCE could be
Chang lae kim(2017) conductive electrode based on used in a variety of flexible
nanomaterials electronic devices, such as
solar cells, displays, and touch
screens. The study focused on
the physical properties of the
TCEs, but it would also be
important to investigate their
long-term stability and
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performance.
Graphene-Based Transparent The article will likely discuss
Yingjie Ma (2018) Conductive Films: Material methods for improving
Systems, Preparation and graphene production for TCFs
Applications and how scientists are trying to
achieve both high conductivity
and high transmittance in
graphene films.
Aspect Ratio Control of Understanding the impact of
Sang-Soo Chee (2020) Copper Nanowire via Solution various synthesis parameters
Process and Its Flexible (reaction time, concentrations
Transparent of the copper precursor,
Conductive Electrode reducing agent, and capping
Applications agent) on the morphology and
aspect ratio of Cu NWs
Dual-functional graphene Traditional epoxy coatings
Dashuai Yan (2021) oxide-based nanomaterial for protect metals from corrosion
enhancing the passive and but can develop cracks.
active corrosion protection of Develop a coating with self-
epoxy coating healing properties to address
cracks and prevent corrosion.
Ultra-long silver nanowires synthesis of ultra-long silver
Fevzihan Basarir (2022) prepared via hydrothermal nanowires (AgNWs) with an
synthesis enable efficient aspect ratio greater than 2000
transparent heaters using the hydrothermal
method. Various synthesis
parameters, including reaction
time, temperature, were
systematically investigated to
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optimize the nanowire length.
Table 1.1
OBJECTIVES AND SCHEDULE OF WORK
3.1 OBJECTIVES
Synthesis of Cu nanowires
Synthesis of Ag nanowires
Characterization of Cu and Ag nanowires
Preparation of transparent conducting thin film using Cu and Ag nanowires
Measurement of electrical and optical properties of thin films
3.2 SCHEDULE OF WORK
Fig 1. Ghantt chart
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MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
4.1 MATERIALS
The synthesis of copper nanowires (Cu-NWs) was conducted using the following reagents:
Copper nitrate (Cu (NO₃) ₂) served as the copper precursor, while ethylenediamine (EDA)
was employed as a structure-directing agent (SDA) to guide nanowire formation. Hydrazine
(35 wt%) acted as the reducing agent to facilitate the reduction of copper ions, and sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) was used in a quantity of 48 g to adjust the pH and create an alkaline
environment suitable for nanowire growth. Deionized water, 80 mL, was used as the solvent
for the reaction mixture. Additionally, silicon oil was employed as the medium in an oil bath
to maintain a controlled reaction temperature.
Silver nanowires were synthesized using the polyol method with silver nitrate (AgNO₃),
ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and sodium chloride (NaCl) as the
primary reagents. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) served as the silver precursor, providing Ag ⁺ ions.
Ethylene glycol functioned dually as the solvent and the reducing agent, reducing Ag ⁺ ions to
metallic silver (Ag⁰) upon heating. PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) acted as a capping and
stabilizing agent, selectively adsorbing onto certain crystal facets of silver, thereby directing
the one-dimensional growth of the nanowires, and preventing their aggregation. Sodium
chloride (NaCl) played a key role in modulating reaction kinetics and controlling the
morphology of the resulting nanostructures. The chloride ions (Cl ⁻) reacted with silver ions
to form small amounts of silver chloride (AgCl) nanoparticles, which served as nucleation
seeds for nanowire growth.
4.2 SYNTHESIS OF COPPER NANOWIRES
The synthesis procedure involved a sequence of carefully controlled steps. First, a solution
was prepared by mixing 0.16 g of copper nitrate (Cu (NO₃) ₂), 48 g of sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), and 80 mL of deionized water. This mixture was stirred for 2 minutes to ensure
homogeneity before being heated in a silicon oil bath at 60 °C for 30 minutes with continuous
stirring to equilibrate the reaction temperature.
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Following temperature stabilization, ethylenediamine (EDA) in varying amounts (0.1–0.6
mL, corresponding to 1.3–8 mmol) and hydrazine (0.2 mL) were added dropwise to the
solution. The mixture was maintained in the oil bath for an additional 2 minutes to allow the
reaction to proceed.
Finally, the solution was transferred to a plastic tube and placed in an oven set at 30 °C for 1–
2 hours to promote the growth of homogeneous copper nanowires (Cu-NWs). Upon
completion, the Cu-NWs were observed floating on the surface of the solution, indicating
successful synthesis.
PROJECT DEMONSTRATION
Purging of Miliq water to
remove the dissolved oxygen
Heating and addition of reagents
Growth of Copper Nanowires
on the surface
Collecting the wires from the
surface and drying to get a
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powdered sample
4.3 SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOWIRES
Silver nanowires were synthesized using a polyol method. Initially, the required chemicals
were added to the solvent, ethylene glycol. Specifically, 0.255 g of silver nitrate (AgNO₃),
0.25 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and 0.004 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) were added to
ethylene glycol under continuous stirring until completely dissolved. After thorough mixing,
the solution exhibited a greyish-white colour.
The resulting solution was then transferred to a hydrothermal reactor and heated at 180 °C for
6 hours. Following the heating process, the reaction mixture was diluted with an acetone–
water mixture in a 5:1 ratio and subjected to centrifugation to isolate the silver nanowires.
Ethylene glycol was
charged with the
reagents and mixed
uniformly
The solution was
heated in
hydrothermal reactor
at 180°C for 6 hours
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The solution was
centrifuged and
powder was
collected
4.3 THIN FILM COATING
Copper and silver nanowires were mixed in a concentration ratio of 1:2. The mixture was
dissolved in 25ml of ethanol and sonicated for 30 minutes to ensure uniform dispersion. The
resulting solution was then coated onto a glass substrate of 2cm*2cm using a spin coater at
1000 rpm, forming a thin film.
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CHARACTERIZATION AND SIMULATION
Optical properties of copper nanowire was determined by UV -vis spectrophotometry with
the help of device Shimadzu UV-2600.
The morphology of copper nanowire were determined using scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) with the help of device Carl zeiss evo 18 research.
The morphology of silver nanowires were determined using field emission scanning electron
microscopy (FESEM) with the help of device FEI QUANTA 250 FEG
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
1) Optical Properties
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
The UV-Vis absorption spectrum for copper nanowires shown in the graph indicates a strong
absorption peak in the ultraviolet region, with a maximum around 200–250 nm. This peak is
typical for copper nanowires and is associated with surface plasmon resonance, where
conduction electrons oscillate
collectively in response to incident light. The absorption decreases sharply as the wavelength
increases, approaching near-zero levels in the visible and infrared regions (400–800 nm),
which suggests minimal optical absorption in these ranges. This behavior is consistent with
the optical properties of copper nanowires and supports their potential use in applications that
require high conductivity with minimal interference in the visible spectrum, such as
transparent conductive films.
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Fig 4. The result of UV-vis spectrophotometry (a) For diluted solution (b) For concentrated
solution.
(a) (b)
2) Morphology
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
We
use
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for nanoparticles to obtain high-resolution images of
their surface morphology and structure. SEM provides detailed visualization at the nanoscale,
allowing us to measure particle size, shape, and distribution. It offers excellent depth of field
and high magnification, which are essential for characterizing tiny particles. Additionally,
SEM can be paired with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to analyze elemental
composition. This makes SEM crucial for both structural and compositional analysis of
nanoparticles.
Fig 5. The results obtained from SEM using different concentration of EDA (a) EDA used 0.6
ml (b) EDA used 0.3 ml
It was observed that with an increase in the Ethylenediamine concentration the copper
nanowires were obtained in the desired range i.e. between the range of 80nm-100nm. With
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(a) (b)
less concentration of Ethylenediamine in the solution there was more of hydrazine present
which acts as a reducing agent that converts Cu++ into Cu. When hydrazine is added the
following reaction takes place
4[Cu(OH)]+2 + N2H4 (aq) 2Cu2O (s) + N2 (g) + 6H2O + 8OH-
2CuO(s) + N2H4(aq) 4Cu(s) + N2 (g) + 2H2O.
The resulting reaction leads to the formation of copper nanoparticles in agglomerated form
addition of EDA converts these nanoparticles into nanowires due to which more
concentration of EDA in the solution resulted in the required length and diameter of the
nanowires. The size of the nanowire was also affected due to oxidation which leads to
increase of the diameter. With the help of Energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, the
presence of oxidised Copper nanowire was shown. It is important to maintain vacuum
conditions for synthesising and storing
of copper nanowires to minimise
the effects of oxidation on its size.
Field emission scanning electron
microscopy (FESEM)
FESEM is an advanced imaging
technique used to obtain high-resolution
surface morphology of materials
at the micro- and nanoscale. Unlike conventional SEM, FESEM utilizes a field emission
electron source, which provides a narrower and more stable electron beam, resulting in
enhanced image clarity and depth of field. This technique is particularly valuable for
analyzing surface structures, particle size, and material interfaces. With the help of FESEM
results for silver nanowire were obtained.
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Fig 6. FESEM images for silver nanowire using hydrothermal reactor
As observed the silver nanoparticles obtained using a conical flask were in a shape of sphere
rather than a nanowire whereas in the same conditions a hydrothermal reactor gave the silver
nanowires and in the appropriate size range. It can be noted that pressure plays an important
role in synthesis of silver nanowires as the nanowire obtained in hydrothermal reactor which
maintains the pressure gave a smaller diameter than the one synthesised under atmospheric
pressure. Presence of high pressure reduces the barrier of nucleation [26].
Spin Coating:
The desired thin transparent coated film was obtained. The coating was done using a solution
of copper nanowire and silver nanowire in an ethanol solution. The Volume percentage of the
required nanowires was found using the following formula:
( )
wtnp
Nanofluids: ρnp
∅= ×100
wtnp wtf
+
ρnp ρf
wtCU + wtAg
Hybrid nanofluids:
ρ CU ρ Ag
∅= ×100
wtCU wtAg wtf
+ +
ρ CU ρ Ag ρf
( ∅ hnf )=∅ CU +∅ Ag
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Fig 7. Thin film coated glass slab with two layers and three layers of hybrid solution coated
CONCLUSION
The synthesis and characterization of copper and silver nanowires have proven to be a
significant step toward the development of efficient and flexible transparent conductive films
(TCFs). Through the application of controlled chemical methods, CuNWs and AgNWs were
successfully synthesized with desirable morphology and dimensions. The incorporation of
ethylenediamine in CuNW synthesis played a crucial role in directing nanowire growth,
while the use of a hydrothermal reactor in AgNW synthesis enhanced uniformity and reduced
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diameter, demonstrating the importance of pressure and controlled environments in nanowire
formation.
Characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, and FESEM provided
valuable insights into the optical and morphological properties of the synthesized nanowires.
The observed surface plasmon resonance in copper nanowires affirmed their potential in
optoelectronic applications, while FESEM analysis confirmed the high aspect ratio and fine
structural integrity of silver nanowires.
The successful fabrication of transparent thin films using a hybrid mixture of CuNWs and
AgNWs demonstrated the viability of these materials in applications requiring both
conductivity and transparency. The spin-coating technique enabled the formation of uniform
coatings on glass substrates, supporting scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes.
In summary, this study validates the promise of copper and silver nanowires as alternatives to
conventional conductive materials in TCF applications. Their combined properties of
flexibility, transparency, and conductivity pave the way for advancements in wearable
electronics, flexible displays, and energy devices. Further work can explore enhancing
stability and scalability, ultimately contributing to the broader implementation of nanowire-
based technologies in real-world applications.
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