Gold Inks for Inkjet Printing on Photo Paper: Complementary Characterisation

Abstract

Nowadays, cost-effective, available, and flexible paper-based electronics play an essential role in the electronics industry. Herein, we present gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a potential raw material for gold inks in the future for such purposes. AuNPs in this research were synthesised using the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique from two precursors: gold (III) chloride tetrahydrate and gold (III) acetate. Synthesised AuNPs were collected in a suspension composed of deionised (D.I.) water and the stabiliser polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). AuNPs’ suspensions were subjected to the rotavapor process to obtain gold inks with higher Au concentration (>300 ppm). ICP-MS measurements, the size and shape of AuNPs, ζ-potential, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry measurements, and scanning electron microscop y (SEM) of gold inks were carried out in order to find the optimal printing parameters. In the final stage, the optical contact angle measurements were performed using a set of polar to non-polar liquids, allowing for the determination of the surface free energy of gold inks. Inkjet printing of gold inks as defined stripes on photo paper were tested, based on the characterisation results.

Optimisation of a Side Inlet for H2 Entry into an Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Device

“…We found that the wedge formed by the displacement of H 2 was technologically problematic, as H 2 escaping through the tube back into the evaporation zone can cause too rapid a reaction with the precursor compound at a lower temperature, leading to irregular nanostructures with inadequate chemical composition. Such nanoparticles are unusable for many intended applications, as they do not achieve the required properties related to their size and structure [3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…The USP device is shown schematically in Figure 1. The ultrasonic generator has a diameter of 20 mm, operates at a frequency of 1.6 MHz, produces aerosol droplets of 3 µm, and is able to convert 500 mL/h of liquid into an aerosol [7]. The furnace has a metal housing and fireclay brick insulation inside.…”

“…Compared to other methods (laser ablation [4], nanoemulsion [5], reduction in liquid [3]) it enables the continuous synthesis of nanoparticles and represents a promising method for their industrial production [6]. The existing USP device (Figure 1) [7], which has three temperature zones, allows for the controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles on a laboratory scale. They are synthesised by the transformation of the pre-prepared solution (the so-called precursor) by ultrasound into an aerosol, which is transported with the help of a carrier gas within three zones of the heated reaction tube.…”

Low-power laser manufacturing of copper tracks on 3D printed geometry using liquid polyimide coating

“…Various techniques have been used to deposit metal contacts on polymer substrates. Methods like inkjet printing 1,2 chemical vapour deposition 3,4 and electroless deposition 5–7 are currently the most widely used techniques, particularly in industrial mass production. Laser-based processes usually rely on the use of high-power lasers for depositing metals such as copper on polymeric materials and working in the ablation regime.…”

Photo-Sintered Silver Thin Films by a High-Power UV-LED Module for Flexible Electronic Applications

“…For decades, printed electronics technology has been developed with materials like metal nanoparticles ink, non-contact technology like drop-on-demand inkjet technology for printing materials on any substrate, and post-treatment process in order to obtain good properties from materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In particular, a new frontier of printed electronics is to print flexible and stretchable electronic devices for wearable electronics [9][10][11].…”