Stretchable Transparent Conductive Films from Long Carbon Nanotube Metals

• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201802625
• Publication Date: 2018-08-09T10:56:00Z
• Authors: Peng Wang; Zhiwei Peng; Muxiao Li; YuHuang Wang
• Keywords: Transparent conducting film; Carbon fibers

Abstract Flexible transparent conductors are an enabling component for large‐area flexible displays, wearable electronics, and implantable medical sensors that can wrap around move with the body. However, conventional conductive materials decay quickly under tensile strain, posing a significant hurdle functional devices. Here, we show high electrical conductivity, mechanical stretchability, optical transparency be simultaneously attained by compositing long metallic double‐walled carbon nanotubes polydimethylsiloxane substrate. When stretched to 100% thin films incorporating these (≈3.2 µm on average) achieve record conductivity of 3316 S cm −1 at strain 85% transmittance, which is 194 times higher than short nanotube controls (≈0.8 average). Moreover, withstand more 1000 repeated stretch‐release cycles (switching between 0% strain) retention approaching 96%, whereas exhibit only 10%. Mechanistic studies reveal tubes bridge microscale gaps generated during stretching, thereby maintaining conductivity. mounted human joints, this elastic conductor accommodate large motions provide stable, current output. These results point capable attaining transmittance allow shape changes may take place in operation use electronics.