Flexible transparent and conductive films (TCFs) are an important component in many modern smart devices. Recent TCFs are always fabricated based on indium tin oxide (ITO). However, the drawbacks of ITO (e.g., brittle nature, high cost and resource scarcity) and the complex preparation process of TCFs limit the massive production and further application
of TCFs. Herein, a facile and low-cost method is proposed to prepare flexible TCFs. Rolls of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer film were first
fabricated by roll-to-roll (R2R) spraying method. Then the interlayer film was laminated
between polycarbonate (PC) films (0.1 mm in thickness) to fabricate transparent (80% optical transmittance) but flexible trilayer film. Such prepared trilayer film shows multifunctional applications. For example, on one hand, the high conductivity and uniform
distribution of resistance ensure it can work as a deicing window with good performance at a low voltage. On the other hand, its flexibility, rapid self-recovery and stable response enable it to work as a bending sensor, which shows remarkable stability, repeatability and durability. This study provides a facile method to fabricate TCFs based on commercial but low-cost materials, which is suitable for industrial production and wide practical applications.