Cost-effective silver nano-ink for inkjet printing in application of flexible electronic devices

Abstract In this work, a cost-effective synthesis method by chemical reduction without inert-gas protection for uniform and well dispersed silver nanoparticles has been reported. SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis and FTIR techniques have been performed to confirm the resultant silver nanoparticles of 81.3 ± 34.1 nm in diameter. Using the ink containing 35 wt.% silver, the inkjet-printed lines showed good adhesion to the PI substrate, and a low resistivity of 3.9×10-7 Ω∙m was obtained after simple conventional sintering at 250°C for 30 min. Further bending tests validated its good electrical conductivity as a potential alternative circuit material in flexible electronic devices.