In situ formation of Silver Nanowire Networks on Paper

Simple, universally adaptable techniques for fabricat-ing conductive patterns are required to translate labo-ratory-scale innovations into low-cost solutions for the developing world. Silver nanostructures have emerged as attractive candidates for forming such conductive patterns. We report here the in situ formation of conductive silver-nanowire networks on paper, thereby eliminating the need for either cost-intensive ink formulation or substrate preparation or complex post-deposition sintering steps. Reminiscent of the photo-graphic process of 'salt printing', a desktop office printer was used to deposit desired patterns of silver bromide on paper, which were subsequently exposed to light and then immersed in a photographic deve-loper. Percolating silver nanowire networks that conformally coated the paper fibres were formed after 10 min of exposure to light from a commercial halogen lamp. Thus, conductive and patterned films with sheet resistances of the order of 4 Ω can be easily formed by combining two widely used processes - inkjet printing and photographic development.