Electrodes made of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on PVDF-filters have low electrical resistance and are able to record electrocardiograms in humans

Abstract

In this paper we report that electrodes made of multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated on Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) filters can be used for recording and sensing bio-electrical signals. We measured the electrical properties of MWCNTs incorporated on membranes made of cellulose (bond-paper) and PVDF filters. In addition, we performed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies with the purpose to characterize the ultra-structural properties and distribution of MWCNTs on PVDF filters. We found that the electrodes made of MWCNTs on PVDF filters, have lower resistance and consequently better conductivity compared with other typical electro-conductive materials. We also found that the topographic distribution of the MWCNTs on the PVDF filter is chaotic and non-aligned; nevertheless, MWCNTs on PVDF filters showed a linear electrical resistance without rectification. Electrodes made of MWCNTs on PVDF filters were able to record electrocardiograms in humans with similar resolution than the ones recorded with silver electrodes. The relevance and application of these findings are discussed.