Carbon Nanotube Based Flexible and Stretchable Electronics

Abstract

The low-cost and large-area manufacturing of flexible and stretchable electronics using printing processes could radically change people's perspectives on electronics and substantially expand the spectrum of potential applications. Examples range from personalized wearable electronics to large area smart wallpapers, and from interactive bio-inspired robots to implantable health/medical apparatus. Owing to its one dimensional structure and superior electrical property, carbon nanotubes, especially in forms of thin films or networks, are one of the most promising material platforms for flexible and stretchable electronics. Here in this chapter, we focus on the recent progress in this field. Applications of single-wall carbon nanotube networks as channel semiconductor in flexible thin-film transistors and integrated circuits, as stretchable conductors in various sensors, and as channel material in stretchable transistors will be discussed. Lastly, state-of-the-art advancement on printing process, which is ideal for large scale fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronics, will also be discussed in detail.