Easily Synthesized [email protected] Nanowhiskers Better Tune Network Structures in Ag-Based Adhesives: Examining the Improvements in Conductivity, Stability, and Flexibility

It is essential to develop a novel and versatile strategy for constructing electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) that have superior conductivity and high mechanical properties. In this work, easily synthesized [email protected] ([email protected]) nanowhiskers with a high aspect ratio and excellent solubility in 1,4-dioxane were prepared and added to conventional Ag-containing adhesives. A small amount of [email protected] can dramatically tune the structure of the ECAs’ conductive network and significantly improve the conductivity of the ECAs. Good solubility of [email protected] in solvents brings excellent dispersion in the polymer matrix. Thus, a three-dimensional (3D) conducting network formed with dispersed [email protected] and Ag flakes can enhance the conductivity of ECAs. The conductivity of the ECAs (with 1.5 wt% [email protected] and 55 wt% Ag flakes) showed three orders of magnitude higher than that of the ECAs filled with 55 wt% Ag flakes and 65 wt% Ag flakes. Meanwhile, the integration of [email protected] with Ag flakes in polymer matrices also significantly enhanced the mechanical compliance of the resulted ECAs. The resistivity remained unchanged after rolling the [email protected] ECAs’ film into a 4 mm bending radius for over 1500 cycles. A bendable printed circuit was fabricated using the above [email protected] ECAs, which demonstrated their future potential in the field of flexible electronics. View Full-Tex