3D Interconnected Conductive Graphite Nanoplatelet Welded Carbon Nanotube Networks for Stretchable Conductors

Stretchable conductors with stable electrical conductivity under harsh mechanical deformations are essential for developing next generation portable and flexible wearable electronics. To achieve both high stretchability and conductivity with electromechanical stability, highly stretchable conductors based on 3D interconnected conductive graphite nanoplatelet welded carbon nanotube (GNP-w-CNT) networks are fabricated by welding the junctions of CNTs using GNPs followed by infiltrating with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). It is observed that GNPs can weld the adjacent CNTs to facilitate the formation of continuous conductive pathways and avoid interfacial slippage under repetitive stretching. The enhanced interfacial bonding enables the conductor both high electrical conductivity (>132 S m(-1)) and high stretchability (>150% strain) while ensuring long-term stability (1000 stretching-releasing cycles under 60% tensile strain). To demonstrate the outstanding flexibility and electrical stability, a flexible and stretchable light-emitting diode circuit with stable performance during stretching, bending, twisting, and pressing conditions is further fabricated. The unique welding mechanism can be easily extended to other material systems to broaden the application of stretchable conductors to a myriad of new applications.

Automated summary

Stretchable conductors with stable electrical conductivity under harsh mechanical deformations have been developed using 3D interconnected conductive graphite nanoplatelet welded carbon nanotube networks. The unique welding mechanism using GNPs enables high electrical conductivity, high stretchability, and long-term stability, allowing for applications in a myriad of new applications.