Metal Nanowire Manufacturing Method for Uniform Conductive Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods fail to achieve uniform control of length and diameter in metal nanowires, leading to inadequate compatibility of conductivity and transparency in transparent conductive films, which are essential for various electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving a nucleus forming process and a particle growth process, where metal ions are reduced directly on the surface of nucleus particles, using anti-aggregation and form-controlling agents, and controlling the addition rate and conditions to achieve uniform particle size and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to manufacture metal nanowires, then production can be achieved, but uniform control of length and diameter cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of length and diameterVSAvoidcomplexity of control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into distinct stages: nucleus formation step and particle growth step. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each stage - the nucleus formation controls the seed particles while the growth step uniformly increases size, achieving uniform nanowire dimensions without excessive process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Nucleus particles are formed in advance before the particle growth step. This preliminary action establishes a uniform foundation of seed particles with controlled size and distribution, which then grow uniformly in the subsequent step, ensuring final nanowire uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If metal nanowires with non-uniform size are used, then transparency can be maintained, but conductivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of conductivity and transparencyVSAvoiduniformity of particle size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls specific parameters including the concentration ratio of metal ions to reducing agents, temperature, and addition rates in the nucleus formation and growth steps. By precisely adjusting these parameters, uniform nanowire size is achieved, enabling both high conductivity (from uniform closely-packed structure) and transparency (from controlled dimensions)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If metal oxide thin film is used, then transparency and durability are achieved, but manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency and durabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for film formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces energy-intensive vacuum-based film formation methods (sputtering, evaporation) with a chemical solution-based approach. Metal nanowires are synthesized through chemical reduction reactions in solution, then deposited onto substrates using low-energy methods, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining transparency and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables the production of metal nanowires with uniform length and diameter, resulting in transparent electric conductors that exhibit excellent conductivity and transparency, suitable for applications in integrated circuits, quantum elements, and field emission displays.

Implementation Method 1

metal ions are reduced directly on the surface of nucleus particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

using anti-aggregation and form-controlling agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnti-aggregation:

Data Source

PatentUS8052773B2Manufacturing method of metal nanowire

Publication Date: 2011.11.08 RESONAC CORP

AI summary

An object of this invention is to provide a manufacturing method of metal nanowire in which a length and a diameter can be uniformly controlled, metal nanowire having excellent form uniformity, and a transparent electric conductor exhibiting excellent conductivity and transparency by employing metal nanowire having excellent conductivity and transparency. A manufacturing method of metal nanowire which reduces a metal ion in a solution to form metal particles having a wire-form, wherein a nucleus forming process and a particle growth process after said nucleus forming process are provided, and said nucleus forming process reduces a metal ion to form reduced metal, which is directly precipitated on the surface of said particles formed in the said nucleus forming process or on the surface of particles having grown from said nucleus particles during a growth process, whereby metal particles are formed.