Controlled synthesis of nanocrystalline glass-like carbon thin films with tuneable electrical and optical properties

•Controlled synthesis of nanometer-thin glass-like carbon films by atmospheric CVD.•The optical and electrical properties are defined by the thickness of these films.•High transparency (86%) and moderate conductivity (7.8kΩ/□) are achieved.•Anisotropy in the through-thickness direction have been demonstrated for first time.