Research team fabricates carbon nanotube wiring on plastic films

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Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have proposed a novel method to fabricate multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) wiring on a plastic film under ambient conditions using a low-cost laser.

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The properties of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) include high strength, low weight, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivities. This makes them suitable materials for applications including reinforcement materials, energy storage and conversion devices, and electronics. Despite their potential, it has proven challenging to incorporate them onto plastic substrates for fabricating flexible CNT-based devices.

The breakthrough from Japan involves coating a polypropylene (PP) film with an MWNT film about 10μm thick and then exposing it to a mW UV laser. The result is a conductive wiring made of a combination of MWNT and PP. The research is detailed in Scientific Reports.

In a statement, project lead Associate Professor Dr. Takashi Ikuno said: “This process enables the easy ‘drawing’ of wiring and flexible devices for wearable sensors without the need for complex processes.”  

The researchers attributed the formation of these wires to the difference in the thermal conductivities between the MWNT and the PP film.

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MWNTs