Tunable silver nano-ink for printable electronics and pen-on-paper-writing

The article describes an efficient method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles ink for its application in printed electronics. The effective formulation using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and triethylamine leads to highly stable silver nano-ink. The spincoated silver nanoparticulate films fabricated using the as-prepared nano-ink exhibit bulk-like conductivity at moderate annealing temperature of 60C -100C. Additionally; pen-on-paper type of conventional writing is successfully demonstrated with modifying the formulation of such nano-inks. The viscosity of as-prepared Ag nano-ink can be easily altered by varying the concentration of binders and solvents to suit its end applications. Such flexibility coupled with high conductivity and amphiphilic nature makes this silver nano-ink highly useful in various advanced printing techniques. Copyright © 2016 VBRI Press.