Silver nanowires are a unique class of silver nanomaterials distinct from the commonly used silver spherical nanoparticles. As the name implies, these nanomaterials have similiar nano-scale size in two dimensions but the third dimension can be longer to form a „nanowire“.

The unique properties of this conductive nanomaterial has led to the increasing use of silver nanowire (AgNW) based technologies in producing flexible touchscreen displays. However, the potential adverse effects of these „skinny but long“ and reactive Ag NW remain poorly characterized. The NanoWIR2ES consortium will guide technology development of Ag NW toward safer options.

Diverse Ag NW will be synthesized with varying sizes, coatings and shapes and evaluated by the consortium for potential human and environmental impacts. We will identify NW properties of concern and develop methods to synthesize NW with lower potential for harm. We will develop novel approaches for NW removal, to avoid release into landfills, and for silver capture, to enable recycling of flexible electronics.