Functionalized Metal Nanoparticles for Conductive Pattern Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming large-area conductive films or patterns using metal nanoparticles face challenges in controlling spatial ordering, molecular orientation, and aggregation, limiting their commercial application and pattern line width, especially when using self-assembled monolayers.
Innovation Solution
Metal nanoparticles with self-assembled monolayers composed of compounds containing thiol, isocyanide, amino, carboxylate, or phosphate groups are used, allowing for easy arrangement over large areas and pattern formation through common printing processes without additional sputtering, etching, or photolithography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal nanoparticles with conventional self-assembled monolayers are used, then conductivity can be achieved, but spatial ordering and molecular orientation cannot be controlled, leading to aggregation and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the self-assembled monolayer by using compounds with specific functional groups (carboxyl, phosphate, amino, isocyanide) instead of conventional thiols. This parameter change enables controlled spatial ordering and molecular orientation of metal nanoparticles while maintaining conductivity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of metal nanoparticles combined with specially designed organic compounds containing specific functional groups. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of controlled spatial ordering, molecular orientation, and electrical conductivity, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-component systems
2Area of stationary object
If common photolithography processes are used for pattern formation, then large-area films can be prepared, but line width is limited and ultra-fine patterns cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pattern formation process into two independent stages: (1) formation of self-assembled monolayers that provide spatial ordering and molecular orientation control, and (2) pattern formation using simple printing methods. This segmentation allows large-area coverage while achieving ultra-fine line widths that are not possible with conventional photolithography alone
3Area of stationary object
If metal nanoparticles are dispersed in organic solvent for printing, then large-area patterns can be formed, but aggregation and surface ordering control are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specially designed organic compounds with specific functional groups as intermediaries between the metal nanoparticles and the organic solvent. These intermediary molecules form stable self-assembled monolayers that prevent aggregation during dispersion and printing, while maintaining controlled surface ordering and molecular orientation across large areas
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the formation of high-conductivity patterns and films over large areas with improved uniformity and packing density, facilitating their use in various applications such as antistatic materials and electromagnetic interference shielding.
Implementation Method 1
the metal nanoparticle has a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of a compound containing a thiol, isocyanide, amino, carboxylate or phosphate group, as a linker, formed on the surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of a compound containing a thiol, isocyanide, amino, carboxylate or phosphate group, as a linker, formed on the surface
Implementation Method 3
showing conductivity through an electrical conduction mechanism such as charge (or electron) transfer
Implementation Method 4
forming a pattern using a printing method wherein the metal nanoparticle has a self-assembled monolayer
Data Source
AI summary
A printable metal nanoparticle having a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of a compound containing a thiol (—SH), isocyanide (—CN), amino (—NH2), carboxylate (—COO) or phosphate group, as a linker, formed on the surface thereof, and a method for formation of a conductive pattern using the same are provided. The metal nanoparticles of an exemplary embodiment can be easily formed into a conductive film or pattern by a printing method, and the resulting film or pattern exhibits excellent conductivity which optimally may be adjusted if desired. Therefore, the resulting metal nanoparticles of can be used to advantage in the fields such as antistatic washable sticky mats, antistatic shoes, conductive polyurethane printer rollers, electromagnetic interference shielding materials, etc.