Evolution of Electronic Circuits using Carbon Nanotube Composites

Author(s)

Massey, M. K. ; Kotsialos, A. ; Volpati, D. ; Vissol-Gaudin, E. ; Pearson, C. ; Bowen, L. ; Obara, B. ; Zeze, D. A. ; Groves, C. ; Petty, M. C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 6, AUG 25 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Evolution-in-materio concerns the computer controlled manipulation of material systems using external stimuli to train or evolve the material to perform a useful function. In this paper we demonstrate the evolution of a disordered composite material, using voltages as the external stimuli, into a form where a simple computational problem can be solved. The material consists of single-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in liquid crystal; the nanotubes act as a conductive network, with the liquid crystal providing a host medium to allow the conductive network to reorganise when voltages are applied. We show that the application of electric fields under computer control results in a significant change in the material morphology, favouring the solution to a classification task. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08864-4 - Molecular control in nanostructured films of carbon nanotubes
• Grantee: Diogo Volpati
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor