Carpet of nanowires on flexible silicone substrate

Here we show that by applying pulsed anodization conditions we successfully create nanoporous alumina templates supported on polydimethylsiloxane, a flexible silicone elastomer. Moreover, we show that by using this template with nanopores ending on a conducting underlayer, high density nanowires array can be simply grown by direct dc-electrodeposition on the top of the silicone rubber. The method presented opens up new ways for applications based on nanostructures supported on flexible substrates. We highlight advantages of high density nanowires arrays supported on silicone for use as nerve stimulating electrodes, sensors and bio-sensors.