Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions
Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions, methods for producing and using these compositions, and articles prepared from these compositions are described.
1. An article comprising (a) a substrate and (b) a transparent and electrically conductive coating in the form of a continuous network-like pattern of electrically conductive, interconnected traces that are formed from self-assembled nano-particles that define randomly shaped cells, the interconnected traces being visible with a light microscope on a surface of the substrate,
wherein the coating is transparent to light at wavelengths in the range of 400 to 700 nm.
2. An article according to claim 1 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of glass substrates, rigid polymer substrates, flexible polymer substrates, and combinations thereof.
3. An article according to claim 1 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal substrates, ceramic substrates, and combinations thereof.
4. An article according to claim 1 wherein the substrate is a paper substrate.
5. An article according to claim 1 wherein the substrate comprises a polymer substrate having a glass transition temperature no greater than 150° C.
6. An article according to claim 1 wherein the network has an electrical resistance of 0.1 Ω/square to 10,000 Ω/square.
7. An article according to claim 1 wherein the network has a percent transmission of 10% to 90% at a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm.
8. An article according to claim 1 wherein the nano-particles are prepared according to a process comprising:
(a) forming an alloy comprising an auxiliary metal and a metal; and
(b) treating the alloy with a leaching agent to remove the auxiliary metal.
9. An article according to claim 8 wherein the auxiliary metal comprises aluminum.
10. An article according to claim 1 wherein the article comprises a display.
11. An article according to claim 1 wherein the article comprises an antenna.
12. An article according to claim 1 wherein the article comprises a printed circuit board.
13. An article according to claim 1 wherein the article comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD).