Sumy State University
Center for Scientific, Technical, and Economic Information
Street Rymskoho-Korsakova 2, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
Phone. (0542) 68-76-73, 33-41-08
E-mail: info@cnti.sumdu.edu.ua, dkurbatov@sumdu.edu.ua
NANO INKS FOR 2D AND 3D
Head of Development: Anatoliy Serhiyovych Opanasyuk, Ph.D., Professor.
Purpose and Scope of Application
Printing with nanomaterial inks (based on Ag, ZnO, Cu2ZnSnS4) using 2D and 3D inkjet printers is a promising alternative to current technologies, such as lithography, for the simple and cost-effective creation of electronic components, sensors, and solar energy devices. This approach eliminates the need for complex manufacturing processes and can be utilized in home settings.
Key Characteristics and Essence of the Development.
New possibilities for using regular printers can be achieved by modifying inks through the replacement of their standard components with nanocrystals of metallic (Ag) and semiconductor (ZnO, Cu2ZnSnS4) compounds. Simultaneously, the main requirement for creating printable nanomaterials is the colloidal stability of nanocrystals in an environmentally friendly solvent (e.g., water). This is achieved by placing organic molecules with short carbon chains on the surface of nanocrystals (for example, a well-known and inexpensive vitamin C – ascorbic acid C6H8O6).
A promising method for synthesizing nanocrystals of such compounds and stabilizing them with specific organic molecules is chemical colloid technique for creating nanomaterials of various phase and chemical compositions with a small size dispersion.
Using this printing method, it is possible to create device structures on flexible and transparent substrates, and even on ordinary photo paper for the so-called wearable electronics. These are the simplest electronic circuits that can be directly applied or attached to the human skin.
Main Advantages of the Development
Practical Value of the Development – the ability to create elements of electronics, sensors, and solar energy devices using an ordinary and affordable inkjet printer with high printing speed and resolution in a regular atmosphere. To date, a technology and printing method for conductive silver tracks with low specific resistance on photo paper and transparent polyester substrates have been developed. The first functional electronic devices using the developed technology have been created.
