Direct-writing of circuit interconnects on cellulose paper using ultra-long, silver nanowires based conducting ink

A highly stable conducting nanoink based on silver ultra-long nanowires (Ag ULNWs) was developed by a self-seeding polyol method with controlled doping of silver acetate for flexible electronics applications. Ionic diffusion followed by the reduction of Ag+ ions was found to have a significant role on the network conductivity by reducing the contact resistance of the conducting patterns. Crack-free, bendable conductive patterns could be produced by a direct-writing approach with superior conductivity. The electrical properties of the nanowire ink patterns have been analysed with respect to pattern length, time and temperature. A two dimensional (2D) rectangular resistive network model has been adopted to depict the role of network density, percolation density and contact resistance of these conducting nanowire networks. Further, various electronic arts and circuit interconnects were drawn on cellulose paper substrates using a direct-writing approach and their performances have been successfully manifested.