Stability and conductivity of water-based colloidal silver nanoparticles conductive inks for sustainable printed electronics

Abstract

BackgroundDeveloping conductive inks for printed electronics has gained increasing interest in recent years as a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional organic metal-based inks. This study aims to investigate the influence of silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration at different temperatures and the effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) surfactant concentration on the properties of the colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) conductive inks. MethodsIn this study, water-based AgNPs were prepared using a chemical reduction method. The effect of AgNO3 concentration, the reaction temperature, and the amount of PVP as a stabilizing agent on the size, shape, and purity of the synthesized AgNPs was investigated. The stability, thermal characteristics, and functional groups of the water-based AgNPs were also evaluated. The printed AgNPs patterns were examined for morphological and electrical properties. Significant findingsResults indicated that the concentration of AgNO3 and reaction temperature influence the size of AgNPs particles and their clustering. A high concentration of AgNO3 results in a higher yield of AgNPs and subsequently increases the electrical conductivity to 2.69×10° S/m. Adding PVP improves the stability of AgNPs for up to 45 days. Therefore, the development of water-based colloidal AgNPs conductive ink in this study can be used in inkjet printing to fabricate environmentally friendly printed electronics.