Electrical engineering

OLED

Nanotechnology

Transistor

Electrical conductor

Active matrix

Engineering

Flexible display

Conductivity

Electronics

Voltage

Natural rubber

Physical chemistry

Composite material

Light-emitting diode

Chemistry

Materials science

Layer (electronics)

Organic electronics

Stretchable electronics

Diode

Flexible electronics

Optoelectronics

Carbon nanotube

Thin-film transistor

Nature Materials

Stretchability will significantly expand the applications scope of electronics, particularly for large-area electronic displays, sensors and actuators. Unlike for conventional devices, stretchable electronics can cover arbitrary surfaces and movable parts. However, a large hurdle is the manufacture of large-area highly stretchable electrical wirings with high conductivity. Here, we describe the manufacture of printable elastic conductors comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) uniformly dispersed in a fluorinated rubber. Using an ionic liquid and jet-milling, we produce long and fine SWNT bundles that can form well-developed conducting networks in the rubber. Conductivity of more than 100 S cm−1 and stretchability of more than 100% are obtained. Making full use of this extraordinary conductivity, we constructed a rubber-like stretchable active-matrix display comprising integrated printed elastic conductors, organic transistors and organic light-emitting diodes. The display could be stretched by 30–50% and spread over a hemisphere without any mechanical or electrical damage. Stretchable electronics enables applications on arbitrary curved surfaces or on movable parts to be made. Based on a new technique for printing with carbon nanotube pastes, stretchable active matrix displays containing integrated electronic circuits are now realized.

Stretchable active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display using printable elastic conductors