Paalo M., Tätte T., Visk U., Lõhmus A., Lõhmus R., Lõhmus A., Lõhmus R., Kink I.
University of Tartu, EE
Keywords: carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, sol-gel technology
In recent year’s electrically conductive and transparent electrodes has been one of the most important issues in optoelectronics. High price of ITO have set the search for alternative materials into focus. CNT-s has been used as dopants to improve electrical and mechanical characteristics of different transparent materials, in order to create new electrode materials. Being probably the cheapest, the main materials tested as matrixes are different organic polymers. Still, these materials have some drawbacks compared to ITO, like lower chemical and mechanical stability. To overcome these problems we have started studies to design electrodes based on metal oxides, which are among the most stable compounds. As these materials also have high hardness, they are often used as protective layers. In our experiments sol-gel method was used for preparation of these materials. CNT-s were added to the precursor and after baking, dense oxide ceramics, doped by aligned nanotubes, were achieved. SEM images of fibers proved that pulling process aligned CNT-s in material. Prepared materials were transparent and electrically conductive. Our experiments revealed that CNT-doping could notably improve the electrical properties of the material.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 389 - 391
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7