New carbon nanotube transistors pave way for flexible electronics advance

A new generation of high-performance flexible electronics could be created by utilising a brand new type of carbon nanotube transistor developed by materials engineers in the US.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison have been able to produce the highest-performing carbon nanotube transistors yet seen, with an on-off ratio that is 1,000 times better than the current leading alternative, as well as conductivity that is superior by a magnitude of 100.

In addition to offering much better battery life than established technology, these nanotubes possess the ability to flex and stretch, allowing them to be used in next-generation devices that can be bent and reshaped.

It could be a significant advance for the wearable technology sector, as such components could be easily incorporated into clothing. This would aid the creation of future consumer electronics and medical devices.

Materials science associate professor Michael Arnold said: "The advance enables new types of electronics that aren't possible with the more brittle materials manufacturers are currently using."