Self-reduction of a copper complex MOD ink for inkjet printing conductive patterns on plastics

Chem Commun (Camb). 2015 Jan 31;51(9):1587-90. doi: 10.1039/c4cc08749f.

Abstract

Highly conductive copper patterns on low-cost flexible substrates are obtained by inkjet printing a metal complex based ink. Upon heating the ink, the soluble complex, which is composed of copper formate and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, decomposes under nitrogen at 140 °C and is converted to pure metallic copper. The decomposition process of the complex is investigated and a suggested mechanism is presented. The ink is stable in air for prolonged periods, with no sedimentation or oxidation problems, which are usually encountered in copper nanoparticle based inks.