Preparation and characterization of optically transparent and electrically conductive polyethylene-supported graphene films

A simple mechanical technique for polyethylene (LDPE) film coating by a thin graphene layer is here described. This technique is based on the exfoliation of nanocrystalline graphite (few-layer graphene, FLG) by application of shear-stress, and it leads to a thin graphene layer on the plastic substrate with characteristics of good electrical conductivity and perfect transparency in the visible spectral region. These transparent-conductive films are suitable for ITO replacement in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.