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Transparent heaters (THs) find widespread application in various indoor and outdoor settings, such as LCD panels and motorcycle helmet visors. Among the materials used for efficient TH performance, the AgNW network stands out due to its high conductivity, substantial transmittance, and minimal solution requirement. Extensive research has been directed towards enhancing AgNW characteristics, focusing on smaller diameters and longer wires. In TH applications, the primary considerations include a rapid response and elevated temperature. Consequently, this research delves into investigating the impact of parameters like diameter, length, and density on random AgNW networks under varying applied voltages. The finite element method is employed for analyzing temperature changes in response to voltage application, particularly in scenarios involving small-scale setups with high-density and high-percolation AgNW networks. The results reveal a significant increase in the thermal transition rate, ranging from 28% to 36%, with varying densities in the random network. Within the same density, the AgNW network with larger diameters and lengths demonstrates the highest temperatures, aligning with previous calculations. Furthermore, a trade-off exists between optical properties in smaller diameters and electrical properties in larger diameters within a relatively narrow temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanowires (Cu NWs) are a promising alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO), for use as transparent conductors that exhibit comparable performance at a lower cost. Furthermore, Cu NWs are flexible, a property not possessed by ITO. However, the Cu NW-based transparent electrode has a reddish color and tends to deteriorate in ambient conditions due to the oxidation of Cu. In this paper, we propose a pulsed-current (PC) plating method to deposit nickel onto the Cu NWs in order to reduce oxidation over a 30-day period, and to minimize the sheet resistance. Additionally, the effects of the pulse current, duty cycle, and pulse frequency on the performance of the Cu−Ni (copper−nickel) NW films have also been investigated. As a result, the reddish color of the electrode was eliminated, as oxidation was completely suppressed, and the sheet resistance was reduced from 35 Ω/sq to 27 Ω/sq. However, the transmittance decreased slightly from 86% to 76% at a wavelength of 550 nm. The Cu−Ni NW electrodes also exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability after 6000 bending cycles. Our fabricated Cu−Ni electrodes were successfully applied in flexible polymer-dispersed liquid crystal smart windows.