Rational Design of Printable Carbon Nanotube Transparent Conductive Films via Data‐Driven and Mechanistic Insights

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Authors: Ying Ting Zhou, Ken‐ichi Nomura, Shun Muroga, Makoto Yoneya, Don Norimi Futaba, Takeo Yamada, Reiko Azumi, Kenji Hata
Cited by: 1
References: 47

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achieving controlled dispersion and assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a fundamental challenge that underpins their broad application in electronics, optics, and energy storage devices. Transparent conductive films (TCFs) used in touch panels and flexible electronics serve as a model system for highlighting the importance of dispersion‐state engineering. Despite their excellent electrical and optical properties, CNTs are difficult to exfoliate into fine bundles without introducing structural damage, particularly under scalable, solution‐based processing. In this study, we present a data‐guided strategy for the rational design of CNT dispersions. By combining machine learning models trained on exfoliation datasets with molecular simulations and solubility parameter analysis, we identify effective solvent systems for use with an acidic polymer dispersant. This approach enables a mild, non‐sonication process that preserves CNT length and structural integrity, yielding uniform networks. The resulting CNT TCFs exhibit high crystallinity (G/D > 160), low sheet resistance (35 Ω sq −1 at 90.2% transmittance), and fine‐line printability below 20 µm. This work demonstrates how data‐driven and mechanistic insights into dispersion can be leveraged to produce printable, high‐performance CNT films. Moreover, the methodology offers a versatile framework for scalable, industrially relevant CNT dispersion and assembly, with broad applicability to nanomaterials processing and solvent‐processed device fabrication.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies Carbon Nanotubes in Composites Machine Learning in Materials Science

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
19
Publication date
21 January 2026
Language
EN