Carbon nanotube-based flexible transparent electrode films hybridized with self-assembling PEDOT

SWCNT-based flexible electrode films with improved conductivity were prepared by hybridization with self-assembling poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene):p-toluene sulfonate (PEDOT:PTS). The conducting PEDOT chains were interconnected between the SWCNT networks, which resulted in a threefold increase in conductivity compared to the SWCNT network alone. The optimized hybrid films showed a sheet resistance as low as 280 Ω/sq. at 80% transparency, which is in stark contrast to the conductivity of the SWCNTs themselves, 1250 Ω/sq. On the other hand, compared to the traditional composite technique and film-forming procedures of CNTs, this process can increase the carrier mobility for electrical conductivity due to the conducting bridge connecting PEDOT:PTS, increased conductor density, and simultaneously improved surface uniformity.

► Improved conductive SWCNTs films were prepared through hybridization with self-assembling PEDOT.
► PEDOT chains were interconnected between the SWCNT networks.
► The conductivity of hybrid film increased a better up to three times than SWCNT alone.
► The optimized hybrid films show a sheet resistance 180 Ω/sq.