Free-standing conductive thin films from gold-carbon nanotube composites

Abstract

We report on the development of a method of formation of free-standing gold-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites. It is based on a quick and simple decoration of CNT films with the application of chloroauric aqueous solution. Flexible and conductive macroassemblies of any size and shape can be created with ease. Addition of as little as 1% of Au by weight allowed for reduction of resistance by more than a quarter. Higher Au doping resulted in further decrease of resistance, but not so significant. From the practical point of view, these composites are a new type of materials with high electrical conductivity, but also offer resistance to corrosion.