Influence of aluminum oxide particles on electrical conductivity of films based on carbon nanotubes and graphene

In this study, we fabricated for the first time film samples based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with layers of Al2O3 nanoparticles of varying thickness (5, 10, 20, and 30 nm). Pulsed laser irradiation (1064 nm, 0.24 J / cm²) resulted in the formation of bonds between SWCNT and RGO. The bonding of Al2O3 nanoparticles to the SWCNT surface was also achieved. In a preliminary stage, using atomistic modeling methods, a 2.5‑fold increase in the electrical conductivity of films based on graphene, SWCNT, and Al2O3 was predicted with increasing temperature. The obtained effect was subsequently confirmed experimentally. Measurements in the temperature range from −50 to +200°C revealed an increase in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature. It was also experimentally shown, that an increase in the Al2O3 layer thickness resulted in a decrease in electrical conductivity. The highest electrical conductivity values were obtained for a 5 nm thick Al2O3 layer. Thus, varying the Al2O3 layer thickness allows for the control of electron transport in the resulting hybrid films based on carbon nanomaterials. The developed RGO / SWCNT / Al2O3 hybrid films hold promise for flexible electronics, sensors, and energy devices, offering tunable electrical conductivity and nanotopology, which can lead to enhanced performance and reliability.

1. Russian Science Foundation - 24-79-10316