The control of ITO conductive coating relief via laser-oriented deposited carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The paper presents the analysis of the surface relief of ITO conductive layers structured with single-walled carbon nanotubes. The deposition of ITO films and carbon nanotubes was carried out by laser-oriented method using a CO2 laser. The optical scheme was matched to the control electric grid; the strength of the electric field was varied in the range of 100–600 Vcm–1. To analyze the surface, atomic force microscopy in the contact mode and measurement of the wetting angle by sessile drop method was used. Roughness of pure ITO was about 1.8 nm, while in laser-vacuum deposition of carbon nanotubes, roughness varied from 6.4 nm to 22.1 nm with an increase in the electric field during deposition. The relationship between roughness and surface area of coatings and the wetting angle was considered. An increase in the wetting angle from 101.8 degrees, in the case of pure ITO, to 115.0-128.6 degrees, with the deposition of carbon nanotubes, was shown. The results obtained indicate an improvement in the resistance of ITO coatings to moisture during the deposition of carbon nanotubes, which makes it possible to expand their operating conditions and scope in optical electronics, laser and display technology.