Highly stretchable, conductive, and transparent nanotube thin films

Abstract

We have studied the electrical and optical properties of transparent and conductive nanotube thin films subjected to extremely large strains, both isotropic and anisotropic. The films maintain electrical conductivity for strains up to 700% and the eventual loss of conductivity is due primarily to the buildup of cracks in the nanotube films. We also measured the change in optical transmittance and explain the observed haziness of the films by considering the micrometer sized cluster. This study of transparent nanotube films as stretchable electrodes is crucial for many applications, in particular, for medical implantation of electronic devices.