Abstract: A micro-structured article is disclosed comprising a free-standing network of interconnected traces surrounding randomly-shaped cells wherein the interconnected traces comprise at least partially-joined nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles comprise a conductive metal. The article is preferably formed by coating a nanoparticle-containing emulsion onto a substrate and drying the emulsion. The nanoparticles self-assemble into the network pattern which is subsequently removed from the substrate. A preferred method of removing the network from the substrate comprises the steps of electroplating the traces and subsequently exposing the traces to acid to release the network from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing an article is described. The method includes (a) providing a substrate comprising an etchable surface layer; (b) coating the etchable surface layer with a composition comprising a non-volatile, etch-resistant component in a volatile liquid carrier; and (c) drying the composition to remove the liquid carrier, whereupon the non-volatile, etch-resistant component self-assembles to form etch-resistant traces on the etchable surface layer. The liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: Methods of producing patterned articles using a composition that includes a non-volatile component in a volatile liquid carrier, where the liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: Among other things, self-assembled conductive networks are formed on a surface of substrate containing through holes. The conductive network having a pattern is formed such that at least some of the conductive material in the conductive network reaches into the holes and, sometimes, even the opposite surface of the substrate through the holes. The network on the surface of the substrate electrically connects to the conductive material in the holes with good conductance.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed that includes a transparent front electrode formed by the self-assembly of conductive nanoparticles from an emulsion coated onto a substrate and dried. The nanoparticles self-assemble into a network-like pattern of conductive traces that define randomly-shaped transparent cells. The cells may be filled with various transparent filler materials and additional layers may be present in the device in addition to conventional components. Processes for forming the transparent electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transparent conductive coated devices (films, three dimensional objects and others) produced through coating with a nano metal containing emulsion which forms a conductive pattern with enhanced electrical, optical and other properties.

Abstract: A process is described for making metal nanoparticles comprising (a) forming a liquid melt of a first metal having the composition of the desired nanoparticles and a second metal; (b) quenching the melt to form a solid; and (c) removing the second metal from the solid and forming the nanoparticles comprising the first metal.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed that includes a transparent front electrode formed by the self-assembly of conductive nanoparticles from an emulsion coated onto a substrate and dried. The nanoparticles self-assemble into a network-like pattern of conductive traces that define randomly-shaped transparent cells. The cells may be filled with various transparent filler materials and additional layers may be present in the device in addition to conventional components. Processes for forming the transparent electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro-structured article is disclosed comprising a free-standing network of interconnected traces surrounding randomly-shaped cells wherein the interconnected traces comprise at least partially-joined nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles comprise a conductive metal. The article is preferably formed by coating a nanoparticle-containing emulsion onto a substrate and drying the emulsion. The nanoparticles self-assemble into the network pattern which is subsequently removed from the substrate. A preferred method of removing the network from the substrate comprises the steps of electroplating the traces and subsequently exposing the traces to acid to release the network from the substrate.

Abstract: Transparent conductive coated devices (films, three dimensional objects and others) produced through coating with a nano metal containing emulsion which forms a conductive pattern with enhanced electrical, optical and other properties.

Abstract: Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions, methods for producing and using these compositions, and articles prepared from these compositions are described.

Abstract: In jet printable compositions that include nano metal powders in a liquid carrier.

Abstract: Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions, methods for producing and using these compositions, and articles prepared from these compositions are described.

Abstract: Composites featuring nano-metal particles in a polymer matrix, as well as methods and compositions, for making such composites and uses for such composites (e.g., as masterbatches) are described.

Abstract: Nano-powder-based coating and ink compositions, methods for producing and using these compositions, and articles prepared from these compositions are described.

Abstract: A process is described for making metal nanoparticles comprising (a) forming a liquid melt of a first metal having the composition of the desired nanoparticles and a second metal; (b) quenching the melt to form a solid; and (c) removing the second metal from the solid and forming the nanoparticles comprising the first metal.