Fusing of Silver Nanoparticles at Room Temperature Using Halide Solutions for Conductive Inks

Abstract

Fusing of silver (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized in an aqueous system was observed at room temperature using halide solutions. The as-synthesized Ag nanoparticles have an average diameter of about 24 nm. After dispersing the Ag nanoparticles in a halide solution, a significant increase in particle size to about 188-197 nm was observed. The enlargement of particle size was accompanied by the increase in conductivity of the Ag nanoparticle ink. The resistance was reduced from 110 kiloohms to 35 and 9.3 ohms for the as-prepared and sintered Ag nanoparticles using NaBr and NaCl solution, respectively.