Transparent conducting antimony-doped tin oxide films containing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

In order to improve the conductivity of Sb:SnO

2

(ATO) films, very thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with -NH

2

and -COOH groups have been investigated. The new nanocomposites were prepared by the addition of such MWNTs pre-dispersed in a cationic surfactant (Hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride) in the ATO sol at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 wt%. Coatings of pure ATO and nanocomposites were prepared by spin coating on borofloat glass substrates. Experiments showed that all coatings containing nanotubes present resistivities of the order of 10

-1

to 10

-2

Ω cm while pure ATO films prepared under the same conditions show resistivities which are about 16 times higher. Optical transmission in the visible range of all systems studied was about 90%. The results indicate the suitability of MWNTs as additives for enhancing electrical properties of transparent conductive coatings.