Effect of reduced graphene oxide overcoating on scratch resistance of Ag nanowire electrodes

In this study, the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) overcoating on the scratch resistance of Ag nanowire electrodes was explored for the first time. By performing nanoscratch tests on the nanowire electrodes with and without the rGO overcoating, the lateral forces imposed on the samples were measured when the nanoscale tip was moved laterally; these forces were correlated to the scratch resistance. The lateral forces of the Ag nanowire electrode with an rGO overcoating were significantly higher than those of the uncoated electrode, indicating an increased resistance to the lateral movement of the tip and thus an enhanced scratch resistance. Furthermore, scanning probe microscope images showed that the Ag nanowire electrode without an rGO overcoating exhibited wider scratches after testing than those observed at the coated electrode. These results confirmed that rGO overcoating is effective for enhancing the scratch resistance of Ag nanowire electrodes.