Evaluation of surface control and durability CNT and ITO coated PET transparent electrode under different dry conditions

Abstract

Transparent electrodes using carbon nanotube (CNT) have recently been studied as potential replacements for convention ITO. In this work, CNT or ITO coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples were prepared and studied. The degree of cohesion is dependent on the drying conditions. To explore effects of changing surface conditions, three drying temperatures, 20 degrees C, 80 degrees C, and 120 degrees C, were used. Electrical resistance measures were used to evaluate the interfacial durability and electrical properties of prepared transparent electrodes. FE-SEM was used to investigate surface changes and UV-spectroscopy was used to evaluate transparency as functions of the different drying temperatures. The electronic properties for these nanoparticle coated surfaces were evaluated using a cyclic voltametry method. Interfacial durability was evaluated by static contact angle measurement changes with elapsed time. The pH values of the coatings were measured in a water solution. The durability of the CNT coated surfaces was found to be better than that of the ITO coated surfaces. The higher drying temperatures were found to produce better surfaces because of improved cohesion between the nanoparticles which resulted in improved electrical properties and improved durability of the coated surfaces.