Properties and characterization of carbon-nanotube-based transparent conductive coating

Transparent and electrically conductive coatings and films have a variety of fast-growing applications ranging from window glass to flat-panel displays. These mainly include semiconductive metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped and stabilized with poly( styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS). In this paper, we show alternatives to ITO and conducting polymers, using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). These CNT-based technologies offer conducting substrates having a broad range of conductivity, excellent transparency, neutral color tone, good adhesion, abrasion resistance, and flexibility. Additional benefits include ease of both processing and patterning. This paper reports on optoelectronic properties and structure characterization of these materials.