Chemically Reduced Silver Nanoparticles for Flexible Electronics

ABSTRACT

Conductive materials for printed and flexible electronics must be affordable, scalable, and compatible with solution‐based processing. Due to their high electrical conductivity and chemical stability, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in conductive inks. AgNPs were produced in this study using a traditional chemical reduction method utilizing sodium borohydride. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, the structural, morphological, optical characteristics, and particle size of the produced nanoparticles were methodically explained. A straightforward syringe‐based extrusion printing technique was employed to apply conductive inks composed of chemically reduced AgNPs with various solvent systems onto flexible silicone substrates. The printed conductive tracks exhibited ohmic resistance behavior, LED illumination under a 9 V power supply, and good continuity. The current research emphasizes the possibilities of affordable extrusion‐printed AgNPs inks for flexible electronics applications.