Processing factors affecting roughness, optical and mechanical properties of nanocellulose films for optoelectronics

Abstract

This work aims to understand how nanocellulose (NC) processing can modify the key characteristics of NC films to align with the main requirements for high-performance optoelectronics. The performance of these devices relies heavily on the light transmittance of the substrate, which serves as a mechanical support and optimizes light interactions with the photoactive component. Critical variables that determine the optical and mechanical properties of the films include the morphology of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), as well as the concentration and turbidity of the respective aqueous suspensions. This study demonstrates that achieving high transparency was possible by reducing the grammage and adjusting the drying temperature through hot pressing. Furthermore, the use of modified CNF, specifically carboxylated CNF, resulted in more transparent films due to a higher nanosized fraction and lower turbidity. The mechanical properties of the films depended on their structure, homogeneity (spatial uniformity of local grammage), and electrokinetic factors, such as the presence of electrostatic charges on CNF. Additionally, we investigated the angle-dependent transmittance of the CNF films, since solar devices usually operate under indirect light. This work demonstrates the importance of a systematic approach to the optimization of cellulose films, providing valuable insight into the optoelectronic field.