Flexible Transparent Sliced Veneer for Alternating Current Electroluminescent Devices

Flexible alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) devices based on nanocellulose-derived transparent films have received a great deal of attention due to their numerous merits. However, the fabrication of nanocellulose-based functional materials usually requires complex treatments. Herein, we used transparent sliced veneer (TV) derived from commercial birch wood to fabricate ACEL devices. In comparison to nanocellulose-based transparent films, the preparation of TV is faster and cheaper. The total transmittance achieved a considerable value (up to 86%) compared to that of cellulose-based transparent films. To obtain a conductive transparent wood composite film, silver nanowires (AgNWs) were deposited on the TV substrate using a spray gun. The transmittance was 79.5% at an AgNWs area density of 450 mg/m², and it displayed a low sheet resistance of 3 Ω sq^–1. Finally, we successfully fabricated an ACEL device based on the conductive TV. The flexible transparent veneer-based alternating current electroluminescent (WACEL) device possessed waterproofing properties without the need for additional sealing. The luminance of the WACEL device approached a maximum value of 18.36 cd/m² at a voltage of 220 V (frequency at 1k Hz), demonstrating its great potential for applications in signal expression and ambient lighting.