Transparent conductive flexible trilayer film for deicing window and self-recover bending sensor based on SWCNTs/PVB interlayer.

Flexible transparent conductive film (TCF) is an important component in many modern smart devices. Recent TCF is always fabricated based on indium tin oxide (ITO). However, the drawbacks of ITO (e.g., brittle nature, high cost and resource scarcity) and the complex preparation process of TCF limit the massive production and further application of TCF. Herein, a facile and low-cost method is proposed to prepare flexible TCF. Rolls of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer film were first fabricated by roll-to-roll (R2R) spraying method. Then the interlayer film was laminated between polycarbonate (PC) films (0.1 mm in thickness) to fabricate transparent (80% optical transmittance) but flexible trilayer film. Such prepared trilayer film shows multifunctional applications. For example, on one hand, high conductivity and uniform distribution of resistance ensure that it can work as a deicing window with good performance at a low voltage. On the other hand, its flexibility, rapid self-recovery and stable response enable it to be used as a bending sensor, which shows remarkable stability, repeatability and durability. This study provides a facile method to fabricate TCF based on commercial but low-cost materials, which is suitable for industrial production and wide practical applications.