Formation of conductive layers at near ambient temperatures using silver nanoparticle treatments and inks

Abstract

Near-ambient temperature processing has resulted in the successful formation of highly conductive coatings from silver nanowires. This conductive material can have high silver loadings and low resistivity. Aqueous inks with high silver nanowire loadings, with metals exceeding 3 wt%, primarily silver nanowires, can be used to form highly conductive materials. A method for preparing a high-loading ink can include forming a good dispersion of silver nanowires and removing the solvent to concentrate the dispersion. A range of binders can be used, including UV-crosslinkable binders. Typically, the organic concentration of this highly conductive material is 25 wt% or less, but this can accommodate a higher volume fraction of organics while still achieving good electrical conductivity.

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