Technological watch

Flexible electronics have enormous potential for applications that are not achievable in standard electronics. In particular, important technological advances have been made in terms of their performance characteristics and potential range of applications, ranging from medical care, packaging, lighting and signage, consumer electronics, and alternative energy. In this study, we develop a novel method for fabricating flexible conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) films on various substrates. The fabricated conductive CNT films exhibited satisfactory conductivity, flexibility, and durability. The conductivity of the conductive CNT film was maintained at the same level of sheet resistance after bending cycles. The fabrication process is dry, solution-free, and convenient for mass production. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that CNTs were uniformly dispersed over the substrate. The prepared conductive CNT film was applied to collect an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, which showed good performance compared to traditional electrodes. The conductive CNT film determined the long-term stability of the electrodes under bending or other mechanical stresses. The well-demonstrated fabrication process for flexible conductive CNT films has great potential in the field of bioelectronics.