Optimization of Optoelectronic Properties of Patterned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films

Abstract

We propose a novel strategy to enhance optoelectrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films for transparent electrode applications by film patterning. First, we theoretically considered the effect of the conducting pattern geometry on the film quality factor and, then, experimentally examined the calculated structures. We extend these results to show that the best characteristics of patterned SWCNT films can be achieved using the combination of initial film properties: low transmittance and high conductivity. The proposed strategy allows the patterned layers of SWCNTs to outperform the widely used indium-tin-oxide electrodes on both flexible and rigid substrates.Recent development of optoelectronic and photonic technologies for compact devices have introduced new challenges in fabrication of flexible, stretchable, transparent and conductive electrodes 1-3 . A wide range of possible applications includes solar cells 4 , light emitting diodes (LEDs) 5-7 , touchscreens 1,8,9 , "smart" devices, and wearable electronics 2,10 . The typical requirement for these applications is high transmittance in the middle of the visible spectral range and low sheet resistance. A few recent works have recently proposed new approaches, which allowed competing with highly efficient, indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coatings, one of the most developed and spread transparent conductive film (TCF) materials 1,11 . However, poor mechanical properties, high refractivity and price 2,12-14 , made researchers and engineers to search for alternative TCFs. Remarkable results were obtained with Cu and Ag nanofibers and nanowires 15 ,

Transparent Conducting Films Based on Carbon Nanotubes: Rational Design toward the Theoretical Limit

“…This strategy might help overcome the conductivitytransmittance trade-off for the SWCNT-based TCFs. [165] The patterning might be realized either on a filter during the SWCNT collection or afterward from the collected continuous film. Ohno et al [166] created micropatterns (with a period of 37.5 μm) on a filter when collected aerosol-synthesized SWCNTs at the reactor outlet (Figure 5a).…”

“…The improvement of optoelectronic properties of patterned films was thoroughly examined by Mitin et al [165] Using a combination of optical laser lithography and dry-etching in oxygen plasma, they demonstrated that patterning of continuous SWCNT layers might increase the overall transmittance, T, with-out losses in conductivity. The authors have derived the dependence of T on R s for the patterned films [Equation ( 10)]:…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [165] Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society. To achieve the equivalent sheet resistance below ITO by patterning, one should select a film with T 0 < 10%.…”

Direct Fabrication of Micron-Thickness PVA-CNT Patterned Films by Integrating Micro-Pen Writing of PVA Films and Drop-on-Demand Printing of CNT Micropatterns

“…Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent properties, such as high strong mechanical stability, electrical conductivity, and good compatibility with polymer films, micron-thickness CNT-based electronics consisting of polymer films and CNT micropatterns have wide applications in supercapacitors [ 1 , 2 ], sensors [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], solar cells [ 7 ], and other functional devices [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. With the growing demand for device performance enhancement, the design of polymer substrates and CNT micropatterns has become more complex [ 11 , 12 ] and tends to be multi-layered [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Flexible Perovskite CsPbBr3 Light Emitting Devices Integrated with GaP Nanowire Arrays in Highly Transparent and Durable Functionalized Silicones

“…Notably, the thickness of the perovskite layer exceeds 1 μm. After that, SWCNT film (see Section S2.3 for SWCNT synthesis details) with the 90% transparency at 550 nm were applied to the top of SSR/NWs membranes to establish electrical contacts to the perovskite layer.…”