Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Spark Discharge as a Facile and Versatile Technique of Preparing Highly Conductive Pt Nano-Ink for Printed Electronics

Abstract

A cost-effective, scalable and versatile method of preparing nano-ink without hazardous chemical precursors is a prerequisite for widespread adoption of printed electronics. Precursor-free synthesis by spark discharge is promising for this purpose. The synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using a spark discharge under Ar, N2, and air has been investigated to prepare highly conductive nano-ink. The size, chemical composition, and mass production rate of PtNPs significantly depended on the carrier gas. Pure metallic PtNPs with sizes of 5.5 ± 1.8 and 7.1 ± 2.4 nm were formed under Ar and N2, respectively. PtNPs with sizes of 18.2 ± 9.0 nm produced using air consisted of amorphous oxide PtO and metallic Pt. The mass production rates of PtNPs were 53 ± 6, 366 ± 59, and 490 ± 36 mg/h using a spark discharge under Ar, N2, and air, respectively. It was found that the energy dissipated in the spark gap is not a significant parameter that determines the mass production rate. Stable Pt nano-ink (25 wt.%) was prepared only on the basis of PtNPs synthesized under air. Narrow (about 30 μm) and conductive Pt lines were formed by the aerosol jet printing with prepared nano-ink. The resistivity of the Pt lines sintered at 750 °C was (1.2 ± 0.1)·10−7 Ω·m, which is about 1.1 times higher than that of bulk Pt.

Fabrication of Conductive and Gas-Sensing Microstructures Using Focused Deposition of Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Spark Discharge

“…In this case, the presence of zinc impurities in the samples is explained by the evaporation of brass holders during the synthesis of nanoparticles. Zinc impurity is also observed in platinum nanoparticles produced using a similar spark discharge generator with brass holders [36]. Based on the results of measurements of the temperature dependence of the resistance, it was determined that the initial lines of nanoparticles exhibit a semiconductor type of conductivity.…”

Optimizing Aerosol Jet Printing Process of Platinum Ink for High-Resolution Conductive Microstructures on Ceramic and Polymer Substrates

“…These fast production technologies are an excellent solution for the manufacturing of organic light-emitting diodes, sensors, displays, and thin-film transistors [9][10][11][12]. Functional nano-ink in the form of colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in various solvents is a key component for these technologies [13][14][15]. One of the main problems of additive technologies is the development of suitable inks.…”

Spark discharge deposition of au/cu nanoparticles for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

“…Spark discharge deposition is very simple and versatile for producing NPs in one step, since it requires only gas, electrodes, and electricity 15 . This technique could generate single and mixed NPs by using similar and/or dissimilar electrodes.…”