Effect of cross-linkable polymer on the morphology and properties of transparent multi-walled carbon nanotube conductive films

In this study, we fabricated optically transparent and electrically conductive multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) thin films using a spray-coating technique. The transparency and the electrical resistance of thin film are dependent on the nanotube content deposited on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were used as adhesion promoters to improve MWCNT coating more significantly. The cross-linked polymer resulted in a superior bond between the MWCNTs and the substrates. The surface electrical resistance was significantly lower than the original sheet after nitric acid (HNO3) treatment because of the removed surfactant and the increased interconnecting networks of MWCNT bundles, thus improving the electrical and optical properties of the films. Stronger interaction between the MWCNTs and the substrates resulted in lower decomposition of the polymer chain and less amounts of MWCNTs separated into the HNO3 solution. The lower sheet electrical resistance of PVP/PAA-g-MWCNT conductive films on the PET substrate was because of a more complete conductive path with the cross-linked polymer than that without. Such an improved sheet of electrical resistance varied from 8.83 × 104 Ω/□ to 2.65 × 103 Ω/□ with 5.0 wt.% PVP/PAA-g-MWCNT sprayed on the PET after acid treatment.

Graphical abstract.Download full-size imageHighlights► Poly(acrylic acid) and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) were used as a polymer binder layer. ► The cross-linked polymer resulted in a better bond between the MWCNTs and substrates. ► MWCNTs constitute more complete conductive paths with the cross-linked polymer. ► The better binding addresses the health and safety concerns regarding free MWCNTs.