Pressure-dependent electrical conductivity of freestanding three-dimensional carbon nanotube network

Abstract

The dependence of electrical conductivity on compression of a freestanding three-dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT) network is investigated. This macrostructure is made of mm-long and entangled CNTs, forming a random skeleton with open pores. The conductivity linearly increases with the applied compression. This behaviour is due to increase of percolating pathways-contacts among neighbouring CNTs-under loads that is highlighted by in situ scanning electron microscopy analysis. The network sustains compressions up to 75% and elastically recovers its morphology and conductivity during the release period. The repeatability coupled with the high mechanical properties makes the CNT network interesting for pressure-sensing applications.

A Flexible and Transparent Thin Film Heater Based on a Silver Nanowire/Heat‐resistant Polymer Composite

“…But its intrinsic drawbacks, such as slow thermal response, high vacuum, and high temperature fabrication process, crack formation under mechanical bending, instability in acid or base, and the high cost of ITO target, are the major hurdles for many applications. [3][4][5] Several alternative materials, including carbon nanotube, [6][7][8][9] metal grids, and graphene [4,[10][11][12][13] have studied as possible replacements of ITO, [14,15] with varied successes. However, their performance in terms of sheet resistance and optical transmittance are still inferior to ITO.…”

3D Carbon Nanotube Networks as Mechanical, Electrical and Photovoltaic Transducer and Superhydrophobic Filter

“…The micro-porosity of the synthesized material causes its lightweight and the capability to sustain high compression loads as recently reported for our samples [13]. Two interesting properties that originate from the high porosity and the presence of highly interconnected one-dimensional nanostructures are the hydrophobicity and olephilicity.…”

Leveraging compressive stresses to attenuate the electrical resistivity of buckypaper

“…Combining equations (17)- (19), Thus, the electrical resistivity of BP can be predicted through equations (4), (5), (12), (13) and (15). A Matlab ® code was written for predicting the electrical resistivity of BP under a defined level of compressive strain using an iterative process.…”

“…BP possesses mechanical and electrical properties that are attractive for numerous practical applications [9,10]. The favorable structural arrangement of CNTs and the abundance of tube-tube contacts in BP have led to an ever-increasing list of applications ranging from actuators [11], artificial muscles [12], strain sensors [13] to supercapacitors [14].…”