Synthesis, transfer and application of graphene as a transparent conductive film: a review

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) have been widely used as transparent electrodes in nanoelectronic and energy storage devices. An ideal electrode should have high optical transparency, electrical conductivity and carrier mobility to increase the performance and efficiency of devices. Graphene is introduced as a promising new-generation material for the fabrication of transparent electrodes because of its unique electrical, optical and mechanical properties. Consistent efforts, such as the synthesis and transfer of graphene, have been exerted to produce excellent transparent electrodes. This article presents the methods that have been used to produce graphene, such as chemical vapour deposition, solution processing and chemical reduction. In addition, the benefits and drawbacks of several transfer techniques, such as chemical etching from a metal substrate, roll-to-roll process, spin coating, dip coating, drop casting and spray coating, are briefly discussed. For instance, the transfer of graphene for TCF preparation remains challenging. The potential applications of graphene-based TCFs, such as in flexible displays, solar cells, supercapacitors, transistors and electrochromic films, are also discussed.