Nanostructured networks of single wall carbon nanotubes for highly transparent, conductive, and anti-reflective flexible electrodes

Abstract

Highly transparent, anti-reflective, flexible, and conductive electrodes are produced by nanopatterning of a polymer composite made of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The formation of nanostructures creates interconnected nanotubes and vertically aligned SWNT networks which greatly improves charge transport compared to a traditionally mixed composite. These electrodes moreover possess high transparency (98% at 550 nm) and good anti-reflective properties. The use of low nanotube loadings provides an economical solution to make conductive and highly transparent flexible electrodes. The process used is simple and can be easily scaled to large areas by roll to roll processes.