Transparent, Flexible Conducting Hybrid Multilayer Thin Films of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Graphene Nanosheets

Abstract

We developed a simple, versatile method of integrating hybrid thin films of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) <i>via</i> LbL assembly. This approach involves the electrostatic interactions of two oppositely charged suspensions of the RGO nanosheet with MWNTs. This method affords a hybrid multilayer of graphenes with excellent control over the optical and electrical properties. Moreover, the hybrid multilayer exhibits a significant increase of electronic conductivity after the thermal treatment, producing transparent and conducting thin films possessing a sheet resistance of 8 kΩ/sq with a transmittance of 81%. By taking advantage of the conducting network structure of MWNTs, which provides an additional flexibility and mechanical stability of RGO nanosheets, we demonstrate the potential application of hybrid graphene multilayer as a highly flexible and transparent electrode. Because of the highly versatile and tunable properties of LbL-assembled thin films, we anticipate that the general concept presented here offers a unique potential platform for integrating active carbon nanomaterials for advanced electronic, energy, and sensor applications.