The aim of this work is preparation and investigation of copper conductive paths by printing with a different type of functional ink. The solutions based on copper-containing complex compounds were used as inks instead of dispersions of metal nanoparticles. Thermal characteristics of synthesized precursors were studied by thermogravimetry in an argon atmosphere. Based on the comparison of decomposition temperature, the dimethylamine complex of copper formate was found to be more suitable precursor for the formation of copper layers. Structure and performance of this compound was studied in detail by X-ray diffraction, test of wettability, printing on flexible substrate, and electrical measurements.

This work is aimed at studying the fundamentals ensuring the formation of high-quality functional printed copper layers at low temperatures. The paper describes the decomposition of copper formate and its ligand-based complexes: ammonia, ethylamine, diethylamine, and pyridine. Structural and thermal features of the samples were studied by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on the results of experimental data and quantum-chemical calculations as well, the main features of the reactions of decomposition of the studied samples have been proposed. Aspects of the main factors reducing the decomposition temperature of complex compounds have been identified and described. Based on the results of the study, a selfconsistent model which describes the limits of the existing models of the decomposition process of copper formate and its complex compounds is proposed in the work.

On exposure of high-voltage microsecond pulsed fields, the molten and solid electrolytes are transited into a prolonged non-equilibrium state with increased electrical conductivity and disappeared characteristic peaks in Raman spectra. During the multistep relaxation of non-equilibrium electrolytes the initial conductivity and Raman spectra are restored to the values and patterns characteristic for equilibrium system.

The electrical conductivity of molten sodium and potassium chloroaluminumates increase with increasing electrical field strength and reach the limiting values. The limiting high-voltage conductivities of the melts surpass their usual values up to 200% in NaAlCl4and 700% in KAlCl4. These results have been obtained on the base of analysis of the microsecond high-voltage discharges in the melts (the Wien effect). After the high-voltage pulses discharges having been completed in the melts, their conductivity has been found to rise up to 50% (the “memory effect”). The relaxation time of a non-equilibrium state reaches 5 minutes and more.