Transparent conductive multiwall carbon nanotubes-polymer composite for electrode applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Transparent conductive films are crucial for electronic devices.
• Developing cost-effective and high-performance materials remains a challenge.
• Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer promising electrical and optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a transparent conductive composite film using MWCNTs.
• To investigate the impact of MWCNT concentration and temperature on the film's properties.
• To determine the percolation threshold and characterize the electrical and optical behavior.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of dispersed MWCNTs into an aqueous N-hydroxy methyl acrylamide solution.
• Crosslinking of the polymer matrix to form a free-standing film.
• Characterization of optical transmittance and electrical conductivity at varying MWCNT concentrations and temperatures.

Main Results:

• A low MWCNT concentration (0.06 mg/ml) achieved the percolation threshold, yielding electrical conductivity up to 10^-4 S/cm.
• The composite maintained high visible transmittance (>85%) at this low loading.
• Electrical conductivity significantly increased with temperature up to 120°C, indicating semiconducting behavior.
• Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics confirmed the Ohmic nature of the composite.

Conclusions:

• A novel transparent conductive composite film was successfully fabricated.
• The composite demonstrates excellent optical and electrical properties at low MWCNT loading.
• The temperature-dependent conductivity suggests semiconducting behavior, suitable for specific applications.