Study on Time Dependent Growth of Single Crystalline Copper Nanosheets

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the synthesis time of single crystal copper nanosheets (Cu NSs) and their crystal growth, yield, size, and their electrical properties. The Cu NSs synthesized for 2 and 4 hours showed very low yields, while synthesis yields began to increase after 6 hours of synthesis time, reaching approximately 33% in a 12-hour reaction. The size of the Cu NSs was proportionally controlled by the synthesis time, and an average size of 16 μm could be recovered after a 12-hour reaction. In particular, when conductive films were prepared by Cu NSs of different sizes, the conductive films made with larger particle sizes exhibited lower sheet resistance characteristics. Due to the unique characteristics of Cu NSs in shape and structure, single crystal copper nanosheets are expected to be used as metal fillers for next-generation conductive inks for printed electronics in the future.