The theoretical maximum tensile strain--that is, elongation--of a single-walled carbon nanotube is almost 20%, but in practice only 6% is achieved. Here we show that, at high temperatures, individual single-walled carbon nanotubes can undergo superplastic deformation, becoming nearly 280% longer and 15 times narrower before breaking. This superplastic deformation is the result of the nucleation and motion of kinks in the structure, and could prove useful in helping to strengthen and toughen ceramics and other nanocomposites at high temperatures.

A transparent, conductive, and flexible electrode is demonstrated. It is based on an inexpensive and easily manufacturable metallic network formed by depositing metals onto a template film. This electrode shows excellent electro-optical properties, with the figure of merit ranging from 300 to 700, and transmittance from 82% (~4.3 Ω sq(-1) ) to 45% (~0.5 Ω sq(-1) ).

In this letter we describe the preparation of large-area, two-dimensional metallic structures using shadow nanosphere lithography. By varying the position of the substrate with respect to the evaporation source during the sample preparation, we make morphologies such as cups, rods, and wires, that are not accessible by the standard nanosphere lithography. This technique also allows for an encapsulation of the metallic structures, to prevent them from oxidation. Morphologies predicted by our computer simulations have been subsequently confirmed experimentally.

We demonstrate here that large area periodic arrays of well-aligned carbon nanotubes can be fabricated inexpensively on Ni dots made by the process of self-assembly nanosphere lithography. These periodic arrays appear colorful due to their efficient reflection and diffraction of visible light. In addition, due to their honeycomb lattice structure, these arrays can act as photonic band gap crystals in the visible frequency range. In this report, we present the initial exploration of the optical properties of such arrays. Here we show that these potential 2D photonic band gap crystal arrays might find very important applications in optoelectronics.

We report formation of polyelectrolyte/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) multilayers by the layer-by-layer assembly technique. Both "hollow" and "bamboo" type MWNTs were employed. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy indicate high structural homogeneity of the prepared composites. Ellipsometry and the absorbance spectroscopy confirm sequential adsorption of oppositely charged nanotubes and the polyelectrolyte resulting in uniform growth of the polyelectrolyte/MWNT films. Measurements of the mechanical properties show that these are strong composite hybrid films with mechanical properties exceeding many carbon nanotube composites made by mixing, or in-situ polymerization. Bamboo-type carbon nanotube composites display ultimate tensile strength of 150 ± 35 MPa and Young modulus of 4.5 ± −0.8 GPa as compared to 110 ± 25 MPa and 2 ± 0.5 GPa in composites made from common hollow MWNTs. This indicates that the morphology of the fibers can substantially improve matrix connectivity on the material mitigating "telescopic effect" in MWNTs. The films made from bambootype MWNTs approach in strength recently reported layer-by layer composite films from single wall carbon nanotubes, while being substantially less expensive. These results confirm the potential of the layering method for the manufacturing of composites with high load of strong filler and importance of uniform distribution and good interconnectivity between carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix.

We show that a planar structure, consisting of an ultrathin semiconducting layer topped with a solid nanoscopically perforated metallic film and then a dielectric interference film, can highly absorb (superabsorb) electromagnetic radiation in the entire visible range, and thus can become a platform for high-efficiency solar cells. The perforated metallic film and the ultrathin absorber in this broadband superabsorber form a metamaterial effective film, which negatively refracts light in this broad frequency range. Our quantitative simulations confirm that the superabsorption bandwidth is maximized at the checkerboard pattern of the perforations. These simulations show also that the energy conversion efficiency of a single-junction amorphous silicon solar cell based on our optimized structure can exceed 12%.

Tensile-strained Mxene/carbon nanotube (CNT) porous microspheres were developed as an electrocatalyst for the lithium polysulfide (LiPS) redoxr eaction. The internal stress on the surface results in lattice distortion with expanding TiÀTi bonds,e ndowing the Mxene nanosheet with abundant active sites and regulating the d-band center of Ti atoms upshifted closer to the Fermi level, leading to strengthened LiPS adsorbability and accelerated catalytic conversion. The macroporous framework offers uniformed sulfur distribution, potent sulfur immobilization, and large surface area. The composite interwoven by CNT tentacle enhances conductivity and prevents the restacking of Mxene sheets.This combination of tensile strain effect and hierarchical architecture design results in smooth and favorable trapping-diffusion-conversion of LiPS on the interface.T he Li-S battery exhibits an initial capacity of 1451 mAh g À1 at 0.2 C, rate capability up to 8C,and prolonged cycle life.

Modern optoelectronics needs development of new materials characterized not only by high optical transparency and electrical conductivity, but also by mechanical strength, and flexibility. Recent advances employ grids of metallic micro-and nanowires, but the overall performance of the resulting material composites remains unsatisfactory. In this work, we propose a new strategy: application of natural scaffoldings perfected by evolution. In this context, we study two bio-inspired networks for two specific optoelectronic applications. The first network, intended for solar cells, light sources and similar devices, has a quasi-fractal structure and is derived directly from a chemically extracted leaf venation system. The second network is intended for touch screens and flexible displays, and is obtained by metalizing a spider's silk web. We demonstrate that each of these networks attain an exceptional optoelectonic and mechanical performance for its intended purpose, providing a promising direction in the development of more efficient optoelectronic devices.