Ink-jet printing of metallic nanoparticles and microemulsions

Two types of ink-jet inks are presented: ink containing an aqueous dispersion of silver nanoparticles and an oil-in-water microemulsion-based ink. The metallic ink contains nanoparticles of silver, which are formed in the presence of an ionic polymeric stabilizer. Sintering of the printed image obtained with the use of such silver-based inks at temperatures as low as 300 degreesC results in formation of patterns possessing noticeable conductivity. The microemulsion inks are based on a thermodynamically stable microemulsion, in which the dispersed oil phase is a volatile solvent containing a water-insoluble colorant. After contact of the jetted ink droplets with a substrate, nanodroplets of the microemulsion are converted into nanoparticles of the solubilized colorant. In some cases, it was found that the evaporation of microemulsion ink droplets leads to formation of rings composed of ordered nanoparticles.