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The fabrication of flexible transparent conducting films (TCFs) is important for the development of the next-generation flexible devices. In this study, we used double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) as the starting material and described a fabrication method of flexible TCFs. We have determined in a quantitative way that the key factors are the length and the dispersion states of the DWCNTs as well as the weight-ratios of dispersant polymer/DWCNTs. By controlling such factors, we have readily fabricated a flexible highly transparent (94% transmittance) and conductive (surface resistivity�=�320 Ω sq−1) DWCNT film without adding any chemical doping that is often used to reduce the surface resistivity. By applying a wet coating, we have succeeded in the fabrication of large-scale conducting transparent DWCNT films based on the role-to-role method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) filled with a zinc-containing quaternary ammonium based ionic liquid (ChZnCl3) inside. The threshold SWNT diameter for efficient encapsulation was determined to be ca. 0.97 nm. Different morphologies of the encapsulated ChZnCl3 such as single-chain, double-helix, zigzag tubes, and random tubes were observed. The melting of ChZnCl3 ionic liquid into "nanofluid" inside SWNTs was investigated by in situ TEM electron beam irradiation and compared with a high-temperature heat treatment. The thermal-decomposition temperature of the ChZnCl3 ionic liquid confined in the SWNTs was much higher than in the bulk system. Furthermore, the doping effect of the encapsulated ChZnCl3 on the host SWNTs can be varied (from p-type to n-type) by gradually reducing the filling ratio. The versatility of ionic liquids and the unique phase transition observed inside the SWNTs provide a new opportunity for modulating the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]