Flexible thin films of single-walled carbon nanotubes deposited on plastic substrates

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2009 Jan;9(1):567-71. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2009.j045.

Abstract

In the present study, an experimental procedure used to produce thin films of single-walled carbon nanotubes is described. The method was used to prepare solid-state thin films of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for various types of studies, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrical resistance characterization. In particular, a series of experiments were carried out and, for the first time, a simple and reliable method for removing surfactant (Triton X-100) was described. The scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the SWNTs were shortened after the sonication process used to prepare the SWNT aqueous dispersion in the presence of Triton X-100.