Spun Carbon Nanotube Fibres and Films as an Alternative to Printed Electronic Components

Abstract

Current studies of carbon nanotubes have enabled both new electronic applications and improvements to the performance of existing ones. Manufacturing of macroscopic electronic components with this material generally involves the use of printed electronic methods, which must use carbon nanotube (CNT) powders. However, in recent years, it has been shown that the use of ready-made self-standing macroscopic CNT assemblies could have considerable potential in the future development of electronic components. Two examples of these are spun carbon nanotube fibers and CNT films. The following paper considers whether these spun materials may replace printed electronic CNT elements in all applications. To enable the investigation of this question some practical experiments were undertaken. They included the formation of smart textile elements, flexible and transparent components, and structural electronic devices. By taking this approach it has been possible to show that CNT fibres and films are highly versatile materials that may improve the electrical and mechanical performance of many currently produced printed electronic elements. Additionally, the use of these spun materials may enable many new applications and functionalities particularly in the area of e-textiles. However, as with every new technology, it has its limitations, and these are also considered.

Multifunctional Conductive Paths Obtained by Laser Processing of Non-Conductive Carbon Nanotube/Polypropylene Composites

“…As far as CNTs are concerned, they can be assembled into yarns [14] and then tested as wire conductors [13,15]. Such fibres, yarns or ropes, keeping the density very low, will most likely be the material for the next-generation conductors and they could have significant potential in the future development of electronic components [16], once control over the morphology, structure and doping allows outperforming any conventional metals for wiring (c.a. 10 4 S cm −1 at room temperature) [13,[17][18][19][20].…”

Hydrogels and Carbon Nanotubes: Composite Electrode Materials for Long-Term Electrocardiography Monitoring

“…Published studies confirm their good biocompatibility upon contact with the outer skin layer [21][22][23]. CNTs can be used as a powder and as macro-assemblies like fibers, films, mats, or arrays, where CNTs form macroscopic structures connected by van der Waals and friction forces [24][25][26][27].…”

Hydrogels enriched with carbon nanotubes for electrocardiography

“…CNT films: CNTs films were obtained via another FC-CVD process described previously 25,26 . In this process, a feedstock containing methane, ferrocene and thiophene is injected into the hot zone of a horizontal (or vertical) reactor.…”

“…[18][19][20] Published studies confirm their good biocompatibility if they are only in contact with the outer skin layer. [21][22][23] CNTs can be used as a powder, as well as in the form of macro-assemblies like fibers, films, mats, or arrays where CNTs form macroscopic structures connected by van der Waals and friction forces [24][25][26][27] . To the best of our knowledge, only one publication has focused on manufacturing ECG hydrogel with CNTs 28 .…”