High performance multi-purpose nanostructured thin films by inkjet printing: Au micro-electrodes and SERS substrates

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Nanostructured thin metal films are crucial for various applications, including sensors and transducers.
• Inkjet printing offers a sustainable, cost-effective method for fabricating thin films.
• Traditional methods often require significant amounts of stabilizers and high-temperature sintering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel gold nanoparticle-based inks for inkjet printing.
• To create nanostructured, conductive thin films with minimized stabilizers and sintering.
• To demonstrate the combined electrochemical and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) capabilities of the fabricated films.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of two new gold nanoparticle inks adhering to green chemistry principles.
• Fabrication of nanostructured thin films using inkjet printing.
• Comprehensive morphological, structural, electrical, and optical characterization of the films.

Main Results:

• Achieved conductive thin films with a sheet resistance of 10.8 ± 4.1 Ω/sq.
• Demonstrated high Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) activity with enhancement factors up to 10⁷ on a mm² scale.
• Successfully integrated electrochemistry and SERS for real-time tracking of mercaptobenzoic acid.

Conclusions:

• The novel inkjet-printable gold nanoparticle inks enable the fabrication of high-performance nanostructured conductive films.
• The developed films exhibit excellent electrical conductivity and remarkable SERS activity.
• This approach offers a sustainable and efficient method for creating advanced sensor platforms.