Development of conductive carbon coated copper nanoparticle inkjet fluid

An aqueous inkjettable conductive fluid based on carbon coated copper nanoparticles has been developed. The fluid can be handled in atmospheric conditions and processed at low temperature (105°C) with no thermal annealing. A layer conductivity exceeding 600 S/cm has been demonstrated. The panicles were produced in a continuous flow reactor from copper chloride powder by hydrogen reduction at high temperature (950°C). Results indicate that conductivity is enhanced through the formation of carbon nanotubes by addition of ethene and water to the reaction flow. The type and concentration of dispersing additive and co-solvents had a significant impact on dispersion stability and electrical conductivity of the deposited layer. Applicability of the fluid for direct patterning of coatings for e.g. antistatic purposes was demonstrated by inkjet printing of a conductor electrode patter