Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of ink formulation on the inkjet printing process of Al–ZnO nanoparticles

  • Published:
Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study focuses on the inkjet printing of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) spherical and platelet nanoparticle-based nanoflakes with typical sizes ranging from 700 to 800 nm. The AZO nanoparticles were synthesized by aqueous precipitation. The preparation of the solvent-based inks was performed with the control of the viscosity, ink stability, and nanoparticle dispersion. The results showed that the viscosity for nanoparticle dispersions slightly changes (from 6.9 to 8.7 cPs) when the nanoparticles mass concentration increases from 1.8 to 10%. In order to achieve thin films of AZO nanoparticles, we optimized the printing process by real-time monitoring of drop velocity with a stroboscopic camera. This technology involves direct patterning of a functional material by tiny MEMS-jets on a flexible and rigid substrate at specific locations. The lowest concentration of AZO nanoparticles corresponding to 1.8% enables printing several times during the nanoparticle dispersions and the clogging of printhead nozzles is less pronounced. In our conditions, the optimum voltage value is 25 V to achieve a drop velocity from 7 to 9 m/s. In the case of nanospheres with 10% of AZO nanoparticles, for a large dropspace (90 \(\mu\)m), the individual printed droplets appear as a sequence of linear dots. When the drop spacing decreases to 75 \(\mu\)m, isolated drops start to overlap and merge. Further decrease in the drop spacing eliminates scalloping and leads finally to a regular and continuous layer at 55 \(\mu\)m.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Chen, KJ, Fang, TH, Hung, FY, Ji, LW, Chang, SJ, Young, SJ, Hsiao, YJ, “The Crystallization and Physical Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 254 (18) 5791–5795 (2008)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Chong, X, Li, L, Yan, X, Hu, D, Li, H, Wang, Y, “Synthesis, Characterization and Room Temperature Photoluminescence Properties of Al Doped ZnO Nanorods.” Physica E, 44 (10) 1399–1405 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Hong, CS, Park, HH, Moon, J, Park, HH, “Effect of Metal (Al, Ga, and In)-Dopants and/or Ag-Nanoparticles on the Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnO Thin Films.” Thin Solid Films, 515 (3) 957–960 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Zhang, Y, Yang, Y, Zhao, J, Tan, R, Wang, W, Cui, P, Song, W, “Optical and Electrical Properties of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.” J. Mater. Sci., 46 774–780 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Maldonado, F, Stashans, A, “Al-Doped ZnO: Electronic, Electrical and Structural Properties.” J. Phys. Chem. Solids, 71 (5) 784–787 (2010)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Pearton, SJ, Ren, F, “Advances in ZnO-Based Materials for Light Emitting Diodes.” Curr. Opin. Chem. Eng., 3 51–55 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Lee, D, Ki Bae, W, Park, I, Yoon, DY, Lee, S, Lee, C, “Transparent Electrode with ZnO Nanoparticles in Tandem Organic Solar Cells.” Sol. Energ. Mat. Sol. C., 95 (1) 365–368 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Struk, P, Pustelny, T, Golaszewska, K, Borysiewicz, MA, Piotrowska, A, “Gas Sensors Based on ZnO Structures.” Acta Physica Polonica A, 124 (3) 567–569 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Deng, B, Wei, Q, Gao, W, “Physical Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Films Deposited on Nonwoven Substrates by Radio Frequence Magnetron Sputtering.” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 5 393–397 (2008)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Cheng, XL, Zhao, H, Huo, LH, Gao, S, Zhao, JG, “ZnO Nanoparticulate Thin Film: Preparation, Characterization and Gas-Sensing Property.” Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 102 (2) 248–252 (2004)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Liang, YN, Lok, BK, Wang, L, Feng, C, Lu, ACW, Mei, T, Hu, X, “Effects of the Morphology of Inkjet Printed Zinc Oxide (ZnO) on Thin Film Transistor Performance and Seeded ZnO Nanorod Growth.” Thin Solid Films, 544 509–514 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Chaudhary, S, Umar, A, Bhasin, K, Baskoutas, S, “Chemical Sensing Applications of ZnO Nanomaterials.” Materials, 11 (287), 1–38 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Paraguay, F, Miki-Yoshida, DM, Morales, J, Solis, J, Estrada, W, “Influence of Al, In, Cu, Fe and Sn Dopants on the Response of Thin Film ZnO Gas Sensor to Ethanol Vapour.” Thin Solid Films, 373 (1–2) 137–140 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Yoo, R, Cho, S, Song, M-J, Lee, W, “Highly Sensitive Gas Sensor Based on Al-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Detection of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate as a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant.” Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 221 217–223 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Liu, L, Li, YF, Zeng, HB, “ZnO-Based Transparent Conductive Thin Films: Doping, Performance, and Processing.” J. Nanomat., 2013 (196521) 1–9 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Kim, W-H, Maeng, WJ, Kim, M-K, Kim, H, “Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide for Transparent Conducting Electrodes.” J. Electrochem. Soc., 158 (8) 495–499 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Tan, KC, Lee, YS, Yap, SL, Kok, SY, Nee, CH, Siew, WO, Tou, TY, Yap, SS, “Pulsed Laser Deposition of Al-Doped ZnO Films on Glass and Polycarbonate.” Journal of Nanophotonics, 8 (1) 084091 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Kumar, KDA, Valanarasu, S, Rosario, SR, Ganesh, V, Shkir, M, Sreelatha, CJ, Faify, S, “Evaluation of the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of AZO Thin Films Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition for Optoelectronics.” Solid State Sciences, 78 58–68 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Nayak, L, Mohanty, S, Nayak, SK, Ramadoss, A, “A Review on Inkjet Printing of Nanoparticle Inks for Flexible Electronics.” J. Mat. Chem. C, 7 (29) 8771–8795 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Juntunen, T, Jussila, H, Ruoho, M, Liu, S, Hu, G, “Inkjet Printed Large Area Flexible Few Layer Graphene Thermoelectrics.” Advanced Functional Materials, 28 (22) 1800480 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Calvert, P, “Inkjet Printing for Materials and Devices.” Chem. Mater., 13 (10) 3299–3305 (2001)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. van den Berg, AMJ, de Laat, AWM, Smith, PJ, Perelaer, J, Schubert, US, “Geometric Control of Inkjet Printed Features Using a Gelating Polymer.” J. Mat. Chem., 17 (7) 677–683 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Derby, B, “Bio Printing: Inkjet Printing Proteins and Hybrid Cell-Containing Materials and Structures.” J. Mat. Chem., 18 (47) 5717–5721 (2008)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. de Gans, B-J, Schubert, US, “Inkjet Printing of Well-Defined Polymer Dots and Arrays.” Langmuir, 20 (18) 7789–7793 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Reis, N, Ainsley, C, Derby, B, “Ink-Jet Delivery of Particle Suspensions by Piezoelectric Droplet Ejectors.” J. Appl. Phys., 97 (9) 094903 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Lee, A, Sudau, K, Ahn, KH, Lee, SJ, Willenbacher, N, “Optimization of Experimental Parameters to Suppress Nozzle Clogging in Inkjet Printing.” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 51 (40) 13195–13204 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Giovannelli, F, Ndimba, A, Diaz-Chao, P, Motelica-Heino, M, Raynal, PI, Autret, C, Delorme, F, “Synthesis of Al-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles by Aqueous Coprecipitation.” Powder Technol., 262 203–208 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Sharma, S, Pande, SS, Swaminathan, P, “Top-Down Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Based Inks for Inkjet Printing.” RSC Advances, 7 39411–39419 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Matavž, A, Malič, B, “Inkjet Printing of Functional Oxide Nanostructures from Solution-Based Inks.” J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol., 87 1–21 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Shin, K-Y, Lee, S-H, Oh, J, “Solvent and Substrate Effects on Inkjet-Printed Dots and Lines of Silver Nanoparticle Colloids.” J. Micromech. Microeng., 21 (4) 045012 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Diaz-Chao, P, Giovannelli, F, Lebedev, O, Chateigner, D, Lutterotti, L, Delorme, F, Guilmeau, E, “Textured Al-Doped ZnO Ceramics with Isotropic Grains.” J. Europ. Ceram. Soc., 34 (16) 4247–4256 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Georgieva, KL, Dijkstra, DJ, Fricke, H, Willenbacher, N, “Clogging of Microchannels by Nano-particles due to Hetero-coagulation in Elongational Flow.” J. Coll. Interface Sci., 352 (2) 265–277 (2010)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Magdassi, S, The Chemistry of Inkjet Inks. World Scientific Publishing, Singapore, 2010

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This operation was co-financed by the European Union and the Region Centre-Val de Loire through the European Regional Development Fund. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the ARD2020 PIVOTS program and the Region Centre-Val de Loire, through the IMERSYOM project. Authors are grateful to the French GIS CERTeM consortium for cleanroom facilities.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CNRS 7344 UMR, Groupe de Recherches sur l’Energétique des Milieux Ionisés (GREMI), Université d’Orléans, 14 Rue d’Issoudun, 45067, Orléans, France

    Olga Shavdina, Arnaud Stolz, Chantal Boulmer-Leborgne & Nadjib Semmar

  2. CNRS 7374 UMR, Interfaces, Confinement, Matériaux et Nanostructures (ICMN), Université d’Orléans, 2b rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France

    Céline Grillot, Valêrie Bertagna, Jimmy Nicolle & Christine Vautrin-Ul

  3. CNRS, INSA, UMR 7347, Groupe de Recherche en Matériaux, Microélectronique, Acoustique et Nanotechnologies (GREMAN), IUT de Blois, Université de Tours, 15 rue de la chocolaterie, CS 2903, 41029, Blois Cedex, France

    Fabien Giovannelli

Authors
  1. Olga Shavdina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Céline Grillot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Arnaud Stolz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fabien Giovannelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Valêrie Bertagna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jimmy Nicolle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Christine Vautrin-Ul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Chantal Boulmer-Leborgne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Nadjib Semmar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arnaud Stolz.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Shavdina, O., Grillot, C., Stolz, A. et al. Effect of ink formulation on the inkjet printing process of Al–ZnO nanoparticles. J Coat Technol Res 18, 591–600 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-020-00427-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-020-00427-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation