In Situ Photochemical Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Conductive Nano-Ink

Abstract

Advancements in nanotechnology allow for the development of in situ or ex situ prepared nanocoatings and nanoparticles which are valuable in the electronics industry due to their intrinsic physical and chemical properties. Printed electronics, intended for applications such as flexible displays and smart labels, offer a distinct advantage over conventional products. The primary components used in printed electronics are the nano-ink containing polymer matrix and the substrate for printing. Gold, silver, and copper are commonly chosen for these processes because of their excellent electrical conductivity. In the electronics industry, it is well-known that producing conductive ink typically requires high temperatures and extended processing times, as is the case with conventional methods. In this study, in situ prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a crosslinked polymeric matrix are achieved simultaneously using environmentally friendly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylamide via photopolymerization. The generated radicals facilitated the formation of silver nano particles while simultaneously forming a cross-linked network that underwent further processing to transform into ink. The obtained polymer ink formulation is suitable for use with a refillable pen, and it is determined that it dries shortly after writing on surfaces such as paper and glass and exhibits high durability under room conditions.