Recent Development of Carbon Nanotube Transparent Conductive Films

• Published in: Chemical reviews Vol. 116; no. 22; pp. 13413 - 13453
• Main Authors: Yu, LePing, Shearer, Cameron, Shapter, Joseph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 23.11.2016
• Subjects: Carbon; carbon nanotubes; Conductivity; Electronics; Fabrication; hybridization; light emitting diodes; liquid crystal display; manufacturing; Metal oxides; Nanotechnology; Nanotubes; Optical properties; Optoelectronics; oxides; Photovoltaics; solar energy
• ISSN: 0009-2665; 1520-6890; 1520-6890
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00179

Transparent conducting films (TCFs) are a critical component in many personal electronic devices. Transparent and conductive doped metal oxides are widely used in industry due to their excellent optoelectronic properties as well as the mature understanding of their production and handling. However, they are not compatible with future flexible electronics developments where large-scale production will likely involve roll-to-roll manufacturing. Recent studies have shown that carbon nanotubes provide unique chemical, physical, and optoelectronic properties, making them an important alternative to doped metal oxides. This Review provides a comprehensive analysis of carbon nanotube transparent conductive films covering detailed fabrication methods including patterning of the films, chemical doping effects, and hybridization with other materials. There is a focus on optoelectronic properties of the films and potential in applications such as photovoltaics, touch panels, liquid crystal displays, and organic light-emitting diodes in conjunction with a critical analysis of both the merits and shortcomings of carbon nanotube transparent conductive films.