Immobilization of silver nanoparticles onto the surface of Pb-based glass frit by a one-pot procedure involving polyol process and its application in conductive thick films

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were immobilized onto the surface of Pb-based glass frit by a fast one-pot synthetic method which only involved two reagents: AgNO3 and ethylene glycol (EG). The EG played two crucial roles in the procedure: reducing agent and reaction medium. XRD, SEM and TEM analysis revealed that Ag NPs were densely deposited onto the surface. The as-prepared composite powders were subsequently applied in conductive silver thick films. Sheet resistance was recorded by a four-point probe electrical contact method. Results showed that Ag NPs on the surface affected electrical conductivity of the films. The film from the composite powder with Ag NPs about 15 nm in diameter showed a resistance value of 5 mΩ/square as compared to 6.2 mΩ/square of that from the pure glass frit.