Stretchable Electrode Based on Laterally Combed Carbon Nanotubes for Wearable Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising material for use as a flexible electrode in wearable energy devices due to their electrical conductivity, soft mechanical properties, electrochemical activity, and large surface area. However, their electrical resistance is higher than that of metals, and deformations such as stretching can lead to deterioration of electrical performances. To address these issues, here a novel stretchable electrode based on laterally combed CNT networks is presented. The increased percolation between combed CNTs provides a high electrical conductivity even under mechanical deformations. Additional nickel electroplating and serpentine electrode designs increase conductivity and deformability further. The resulting stretchable electrode exhibits an excellent sheet resistance, which is comparable to conventional metal film electrodes. The resistance change is…