Plasma-Aided Inkjet Printing of Silver Nanoparticle Conductive Structures on PDMS for Wearable Applications

Abstract

We report an atmospheric plasma-aided inkjet printing of silver nanoparticles on Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. This innovative approach diverges from traditional inkjet printing techniques by enabling the deposition of conductive materials onto stretchable bases, thus facilitating the creation of highly conductive and flexible electronic structures, such as Wi-Fi antennas, for wearable devices. Our study underscores the effectiveness of utilizing a plasma jet to print silver nanoparticle ink directly onto PDMS, circumventing the need for conventional high-temperature sintering. We emphasize the critical role of a rapid post-print plasma treatment, which serves as a low-temperature alternative to high-temperature sintering, in substantially enhancing the conductivity and performance of the printed structures. This low-temperature process marks a significant step forward in developing durable, flexible electronics, offering a sustainable and efficient pathway for future advancements in wearable technology.