Random 2D nanowire networks: Finite-size effect and the effect of busbar/nanowire contact resistance on their electrical conductivity

TL;DR

This study investigates how finite-size effects and contact resistances influence the electrical conductivity of 2D random nanowire networks, combining mean-field theory with Monte Carlo simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a mean-field model accounting for busbar/nanowire contact resistance and validates it with numerical simulations, highlighting its impact on conductivity.

Findings

Busbar/nanowire contact resistance significantly affects conductivity.

Mean-field predictions align with Monte Carlo simulation results.

Contact resistance dominates when junction resistance is high.

Abstract

We have studied the resistance of two-dimensional random percolating networks of zero-width metallic nanowires (rings or sticks). We toke into account the nanowire resistance per unit length, the junction (nanowire/nanowire contact) resistance, and the busbar/nanowire contact resistance. Using a mean-field approximation (MFA), we derived the total resistance of the nanoring-based networks as a function of their geometrical and physical parameters. We have proposed a way of accounting for the contribution of the busbar/nanowire contact resistance toward the network resistance. The MFA predictions have been confirmed by our Monte Carlo (MC) numerical simulations. Our study evidenced that the busbar/nanowire contact resistance has a significant effect on the electrical conductivity when the junction resistance dominates over wire resistance.