Ultrathin carbon ribbons with metal-like conductivity synthesized for the first time

Researchers have for the first time successfully synthesized ultrathin carbon ribbons that conduct electricity like metals. The ribbons could replace metal wires in shrinking electronics, where conventional conductors overheat and sharply lose conductivity.

• The carbon ribbons conduct like metals rather than semiconductors
• Conventional metal wires overheat and lose conductivity as they shrink
• The first successful synthesis opens a path to conductors for compact electronics