1 research outputs found
Flame-driven Aerosol Synthesis of Copper–Nickel Nanopowders and Conductive Nanoparticle Films
We
report the continuous one-step synthesis of bimetallic copper–nickel
nanostructured coatings by deposition and sintering of metal nanoparticles
produced as an aerosol using a flame driven high temperature reducing
jet (HTRJ) process. The HTRJ process allows gas-phase (aerosol) formation
of metal nanoparticles from low-cost metal salt precursors. These
can be collected as discrete powders for subsequent use in formulating
conductive inks or for other applications. However, direct deposition
of nanoparticles to form coatings allows measurements of electrical
conductivity of films of deposited nanoparticles as a function of
composition and sintering temperature, without actually formulating
and printing inks. This is the approach taken here for the purpose
of screening nanoparticle compositions quickly. We characterized the
microstructure and composition of both nanopowders and films and found
that their composition consistently matched the ratio of metals in
the precursor solution. The electrical conductivity was highest (∼10<sup>4</sup> S/m) for films with 60:40 and 40:60 copper-to-nickel mass
ratios. These films maintained their conductivity during extended
storage (1 month) under ambient conditions. The oxidation resistance
and high conductivity observed here suggest that 60:40 and 40:60 Cu:Ni
nanoparticles have promise as lower cost replacements for silver nanoparticles
in conductive ink formulations