Transparent Nickel Complex Ink for Ultra-Thin MLCC Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nickel-based internal electrode pastes for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) face limitations in achieving a thickness of 400 nm or less due to high particle content, which affects the stability and thickness of internal electrodes, hindering miniaturization and capacity enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, particle-free nickel complex ink composition is developed, comprising a polar portion with a specific compound coordinated to nickel, a solvent, and additives, allowing for a maximum particle diameter of 150 nm or less in the formed thin film, with an absorbance of 1.0 or higher in the 600-650 nm wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If functional particles with particle size close to 50 nm are used to minimize electrode thickness, then the thickness of internal electrode can be reduced, but the particle content exceeds 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of total composition weight, which limits further thickness reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of nickel particle form from discrete particles to a molecular-level complex solution. The nickel complex ink composition contains nickel in a coordinated complex form with ligands, allowing the nickel to be dissolved at the molecular level rather than as particles. This parameter change enables thickness reduction below the 400 nm limit while maintaining stability without requiring high particle content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic ligands (such as carboxylic acids, amines, or their derivatives) as intermediary compounds that coordinate with nickel ions to form stable complexes. These ligands act as mediators that solubilize nickel in the organic solvent system, enabling the formation of a transparent, particle-free ink composition that can be applied in ultra-thin layers while maintaining nickel stability and preventing aggregation.
2Length of stationary object
If nickel powder with average particle size of 0.3 μm or less is used to achieve thin internal electrodes, then the internal electrode thickness can be reduced to 400 nm or less, but the particle content becomes excessively high, affecting composition stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the nickel species from particulate form to molecular complex form in solution. By dissolving nickel as a coordinated complex with organic ligands in an organic solvent, the composition achieves molecular-level homogeneity and stability without relying on high concentrations of fine particles, thereby maintaining composition stability while enabling ultra-thin electrode formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical particle suspension system with a molecular dissolution system. Instead of suspending nickel particles in a binder and solvent matrix, the nickel is chemically dissolved as a coordinated complex, eliminating the need for particle size control and suspension stability mechanisms. This substitution enables ultra-thin film formation without particle aggregation while maintaining composition stability.
3Reliability
If base metal nickel is used instead of expensive noble metals for internal electrode paste, then cost is reduced, but binder removal treatment must be performed in inert atmosphere with extremely low oxygen concentration to prevent oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces organic ligands as protective intermediaries that coordinate with nickel ions to form stable complexes. These ligand complexes act as protective shells around the nickel, preventing oxidation during storage and processing. This intermediary protection enables the use of nickel in ambient atmosphere without requiring inert gas environments, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary chemical modification of nickel by forming coordinated complexes with organic ligands before the actual electrode formation process. This preliminary complexation pre-protects the nickel from oxidation and stabilizes it in the ink composition, eliminating the need for subsequent inert atmosphere processing. The preliminary action of complexation simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining nickel's cost advantage.
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
The composition enables the formation of thinner internal electrodes with improved adhesion and laminating properties, facilitating higher capacity and miniaturization of MLCCs by allowing more layers in the same volume, enhancing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a polar portion comprising nickel and a compound represented by Formula 1 below, coordinated to the nickel
Implementation Method 2
has an absorbance (ABS) of 1.0 or higher in a wavelength range of 600 nm to 650 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent nickel complex ink composition and a method for preparing the same are described. Specifically, the transparent nickel complex ink composition comprises: a polar portion comprising nickel and a compound coordinated to the nickel; a solvent; and other additives. The nickel complex compound ink composition is transparent and particle-free, and has an absorbance (ABS) value of 1.0 or higher in a wavelength range of 600 nm to 650 nm.