On the temperature dependent electrical resistivity of CNT layers in view of Variable Range Hopping models

Thin films of randomly dispersed carbon nanotubes make highly promising material for transparent electrode applications. Knowing and understanding the nature of the films conductivity is crucial for improvement of their electrical properties. In the paper we present our investigation of electrical conductivity of single wall and multiwalled carbon nanotube (SWCNT and MWCNT) thin films deposited on a polymeric substrate by Langmuir-Schaefer technique. The conductivity of the films is consistent with the Variable Range Hopping (VRH) model. Moreover, remarkable differences in SWCNT and MWCNT films conductivity are observed. A significant impact of the thin film annealing and its temperature history on the conductivity properties is shown. The study of the carbon nanotubes layers transferred on polymeric substrate was undertaken in view of the films possible applications in flexible transparent electrodes. The VRH conductivity in carbon nanotube Langmuir-Schaefer layer is reported for the first time.