Carbon nanotube films for transparent and plastic electronics

A two-dimensional network – often referred to as a thin film – of carbon nanotubes can be regarded as a novel transparent electronic “material” with excellent – and tunable – electrical, optical and mechanical properties. The films display high conductivity, high carrier mobility and optical transparency, in addition to flexibility, robustness and environmental resistance. These attributes, coupled with room temperature printing or spraying technology, ensure that the material will have a significant impact on a variety of emerging technologies and markets, ranging from macroelectronics to solid state lighting, organic solar cells and smart fabrics. The performance parameters of the first devices fabricated – smart windows, OLEDs and organic solar cells – indicate that the material is ready for product development