Conductive paper through cellulose microfibers/carbon nanotubes composite

Abstract

A layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) - poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) versus carbon nanotubes on lignocellulose wood microfibers has been investigated to make conductive fibers and paper. Polycation poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) has been used in alternate deposition with anionic conductive PEDOT-PSS and carbon nanotubes, respectively, to construct the multilayer nanofilms on wood microfibers. Using a Keithley probe measurement system, current–voltage measurements have been carried out on single fibers, after deposition of each monolayer, to study the electrical properties of the coated material. It is observed that the conductivity of the microfibers, coated with up to four alternate bilayers of PEI and PEDOT-PSS (using concentration of 3mg/ml), ranged from 1 to 10 S.cm−1. It is also observed that comparable conductivity can be achieved when the fibers were coated with alternate layers of PEI and carbon nanotubes, with only 5 µg/ml concentration solution. The results obtained show that using the LbL nanoassembly technique, cellulose microfibers/carbon nanotubes composite can be realized cost effectively. Moreover, using the fabricated composite nano/micro tube materials, conductive paper has been produced. In this work we have demonstrated successful scale integration from nano to micro and macroscale (nanocoating – microfibers – macropaper) in developing new paper material. Such paper can be used for electromagnetic radiation shielding and other applications. The demonstrated technique is very promising for the development of smart paper technology leading to desirable products, including paper-based displays, smart cards, and sensors.A layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) - poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) versus carbon nanotubes on lignocellulose wood microfibers has been investigated to make conductive fibers and paper. Polycation poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) has been used in alternate deposition with anionic conductive PEDOT-PSS and carbon nanotubes, respectively, to construct the multilayer nanofilms on wood microfibers. Using a Keithley probe measurement system, current–voltage measurements have been carried out on single fibers, after deposition of each monolayer, to study the electrical properties of the coated material. It is observed that the conductivity of the microfibers, coated with up to four alternate bilayers of PEI and PEDOT-PSS (using concentration of 3mg/ml), ranged from 1 to 10 S.cm−1. It is also observed that comparable conductivity can be achieved when the fibers were coated with alternate layers of PEI and carbon nanotubes, with only 5 µg/ml concentration solution. The results obt...