Carbon Nanotube Thin Films: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications

A study was conducted to demonstrate the fabrication, properties, and applications of carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth and solution-based coating methods were demonstrated as nanotube thin film fabrication methods. The electronic, optoelectronic, transport, and mechanical properties of nanotube thin films were also investigated. These thin films had significant device applications, including thin film transistors, transparent electrodes, and as nanoporous electrodes for energy storage. It was demonstrated that CNTs were produced by three major methods, such as arc-discharge and laser ablation, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). CVD was the most common method for direct growth of CNT thin films where catalyst nanoparticles on substrates were used as seeds for CNT growth. The key parameters that control the growth kinetics were the hydrocarbon carrier gas, the growth time and temperature, and the catalyst composition.