Conductivity of transparent electrodes made from interacting nanotubes

Interactions in carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions alter the morphology of films made from such dispersions. Weak attractive interactions induce an enhancement of the electrical conductivity. This phenomenon is observed in thin films that lie in a near percolated regime. Strong interactions instead induce a decrease of conductivity. In spite of strong morphological differences, the conductivity of thick films, away from percolated regimes, do not depend on interactions between the CNTs. These experiments support a recent theoretical scenario of the percolation of interacting rods and provide guidance for the optimal formulations of CNT inks in transparent electrode applications.