Abstract:
A composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid carrier that includes a continuous liquid phase and a dispersed liquid phase, where the composition is in the form of an emulsion. One of the continuous liquid phase or dispersed liquid phase includes at least 40 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition, of an aqueous phase, and the other of the continuous liquid phase or dispersed liquid phase includes an oil phase that evaporates more quickly than the aqueous phase. The metal nanoparticles are present in an amount no greater than 4 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition. When the emulsion is coated onto a surface of a substrate and dried to remove the liquid carrier, the metal nanoparticles self-assemble to form a coating comprising a network-like pattern of electrically conductive traces defining cells that are transparent to light.
Abstract:
Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.
Abstract:
A process for making a photovoltaic cell includes providing a semiconducting substrate having a back side passivation layer, and coating a self-assembling emulsion that includes glass frit particles onto the back side passivation layer. The emulsion is allowed to self-assemble into a network of traces that define cells. An electrode is formed over the network to create a precursor cell, which is then fired to cause the network to burn through the passivation layer and establish electrical contact between the semiconducting substrate and the electrode.
Abstract:
A method of producing an article is described. The method includes (a) providing a substrate comprising an etchable surface layer; (b) coating the etchable surface layer with a composition comprising a non-volatile, etch-resistant component in a volatile liquid carrier; and (c) drying the composition to remove the liquid carrier, whereupon the non-volatile, etch-resistant component self-assembles to form etch-resistant traces on the etchable surface layer. The liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a coated substrate that includes (a) applying a photoinitiator to a surface of a substrate; (b) exposing the photoinitiator to ultraviolet or ultraviolet-visible radiation to activate the photoinitiator and form a pre-treated surface; and (c) applying a coating composition to the pre-treated substrate to form a coated substrate. The coating composition may be a nanoparticle-containing emulsion.
Abstract:
An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.
Abstract:
A process for preparing an electrically conductive, adhesive tape that includes: (a) providing an article comprising a substrate and a network of electrically conductive metal traces defining cells that are transparent to visible light on the substrate; (b) embedding the network of electrically conductive traces in a polymer matrix having a surface on which a pressure sensitive adhesive is deposited; and (c) removing the substrate to form the electrically conductive, adhesive tape.
Abstract:
A method for producing a metal nanoparticle composition including: (a) providing an alloy that includes silver and aluminum; (b) subjecting the alloy to a first thermal treatment to form a thermally treated alloy; (c) cold working the thermally treated alloy to form strips or pellets comprising the alloy; (d) subjecting the strips or pellets to a second thermal treatment at a temperature less than 440° C. to form thermally treated strips or pellets; (e) subjecting the thermally treated strips or pellets to a leaching agent effective to leach out a portion of the aluminum and form a metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles; and (f) washing, filtering, and then drying the metal nanoparticle composition.
Abstract:
Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for the delayed sintering of metal nanoparticles in a self-assembled transparent conductive coating by incorporating a sintering additive into the water phase of the emulsion used to form the coating. The sintering additive reduces the standard reduction potential of the metal ion of the metal forming the nanoparticles by an amount greater than 0.1V but less than the full reduction potential of the metal ion. Emulsion compositions used in the process are also disclosed.