Bio-Nano-Composite Materials Constructed With Single Cells and Carbon Nanotubes: Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties

Abstract

Here, we report a procedure to obtain novel artificial materials using either fungal or isolated tobacco cells in association with different percentages of carbon nanotubes. The electrical, mechanical, and optical properties of these materials have been determined. The produced bio-nano-composite materials have linear electrical characteristics, high temperature stability up to 180 °C, linear increase of the electrical conductivity with increasing temperature and, in one case, also optical transparency. Using tobacco cells, we obtained a material with low mass density and mechanical properties suitable for structural applications along with high electrical conductivity. We also present theoretical models both for their mechanical and electrical behavior. These findings report a procedure for the next generation bio-nano-composite materials.