Background

Copper is the electrical conductor metal of choice based on price, availability and efficiency. However, copper has limitations for printing high density circuits and heat resistance.

Technology Overview

In this University at Buffalo method, copper is converted to a printable ink based on copper nanoplates with incorporated graphene. The ink is amenable to standard aerosol jet printers (aka direct-write manufacturing). This form of printing supports high density circuit production on ceramic substrates using water as the solvent. The graphene component synergistically increases the ampacity and thermal stability of the copper ink.

Further Details:

Yu, J., Khuje, S., Sheng, A., Kilczewski, S., Parker, T. and Ren, S., “High-Temperature Copper-Graphene Conductors via Aerosol Jetting”, Adv. Eng. Mater. 2022, 2200284

Stage of Development

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4.

Benefits

Temperature resistance (up to 1000⁰ C).
High ampacity.
Corrosion resistant.
Flexible printing characteristics allowing high density circuit printing.
Environmentally friendly solvent.

Applications

Sensors.
Actuators.
Antennas.
Energy conversion devices.
Aerospace.
High temperature environments.

Opportunity

Aerosol Jetting Nanostructures Copper Towards High Temperature

Patents

IP Status

Seeking