Carbon nanotube-doped composite sol–gel coatings for float glass

Abstract

We have demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing sol–gel composite coatings consisting of SiO₂ and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on float glass, and investigated the effect of the nature of surfactants, which ensure stability of MWCNT suspensions in water and SiO₂ sol and wetting of the glass by the suspensions. We have found conditions that enable uniform MWCNT dispersion and stabilization during the growth of composite coatings. Different, technologically viable approaches to producing composite coatings have been examined. Using laser Raman spectroscopy, we have assessed the MWCNT distribution over the composite coatings. The electrical conductivity, microhardness, and optical transmission of the coatings have been measured. It has been shown that the MWCNT-containing composite coatings possess enhanced microhardness and high electrical conductivity compared to the uncoated glass.