Nanocellulose (NC) films have promise as an efficient green option for optoelectronic substrates due to their high transparency combined with optimized scattering leading to high haze/diffusive transmittance. Significant increases in the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaics have been reached by adding an NC layer on top of the cell. These properties can be tuned depending on NC quality and film processing parameters; however, few studies have compared different NC types in this way to understand how the NC needs to be manipulated to produce highly efficient optoelectronic substrates. Herein, we benchmark the optical properties of NC films produced from the mechanical defibrillation of untreated and treated pulps (cellulose nanofibril (CNF), TEMPO-oxidized-CNF, carboxymethylated-CNF, and enzymatic-CNF). Additionally, mechanical and barrier properties are evaluated since a balance between these properties and optics are required for their successful application as substrates for photovoltaics. Film properties are directly related to the colloidal properties (nano-yield, turbidity, and concentration), and the grammage, pressure, and drying temperature used in the film-forming process.

Feature guidelines for nanocellulose optoelectronic substrates

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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