Silver Nanowires & Nanoparticles

SLV-NW-60/90/300/900, SLV-NP-100
Technical Data Sheet
Product Description
A nanowire is a nanostructure, with the diameter of the order of a nanometer (10−9 meters). Alternatively, nanowires
can be defined as structures that have a thickness or diameter constrained to tens of nanometers or less and an
unconstrained length. Wires have more surface area per weight than particles. Blue Nano’s wires are single crystalline
and of the highest quality. Wires have more surface area per weight than particles. All wires/particles are not created
equal; you will notice differences in price, purity, content and other parameters. Some very inexpensive particles will
very greatly in size, smoothness and may even be a polymer coated with silver.

Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag (Latin: argentum) and atomic number 47. A soft,
white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal
conductivity of any metal. The metal occurs naturally in its pure, free form (native silver), as an alloy with gold and other
metals, and in minerals such as argentite and chlorargyrite.

Silver nanowires/particles have many uses and many of these applications are listed below:

Optical Applications
• Solar (crystalline silicon, thin film on glass & PET) • Optical limiters
• Medical imaging • Surface plasmonic devices
• Surface enhanced spectroscopy

Conductive Applications
• High-intensity LEDs • Conductive adhesives
• Touch screens • Computer boards
• LCDs • Sensors

Anti-microbial Applications
• Air & water purification • Sterile equipment
• Bandages • Food preservation
• Films • Clothing

Chemical & Thermal Applications

• Catalysts • Sensors
• Chemical vapor sensors • Conductive adhesives
• Pastes • Polymers

Silver Nano TDS Rev. Feb 22, 2010 www.BlueNanoInc.com 1

Specifications
Property Unit Value Method of measurement
SLV-NW-60
Ag Diameter nm 40-80 SEM or TEM
Average Diameter nm 60
Ag Length μm 20-80 SEM or TEM
Ag Content >99.5% Elementary analysis
Molecular Weight 108
Appearance Grey suspension Dispersed in solvent
SLV-NW-90
Ag Diameter nm 80-100 SEM or TEM
Average Diameter nm 90
Ag Length μm 20-60 SEM or TEM
Ag Content >99.5% Elementary analysis
Molecular Weight 108
Appearance Grey suspension Dispersed in solvent
SLV-NW-300
Ag Diameter Range nm 200-400
Average Diameter nm 300
Ag Length μm 10-25 SEM
Ag Content >99.4% Elementary analysis
Molecular Weight 108
Appearance Grey suspension Dispersed in solvent
SLV-NW-900
Ag Diameter Range nm 500-1,500
Average Diameter nm 900
Ag Length μm 5-15 SEM
Ag Content >99.6% Elementary analysis
Molecular Weight 108
Appearance Grey suspension Dispersed in solvent
SLV-NP-100
Ag Diameter Range nm 50-120
Average Diameter nm 100 SEM
Ag Content 98.15% Elementary analysis
Molecular Weight 108
Appearance Yellow Dispersed in solvent
suspension

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Imagery

TEM image of SLV-NW-60

TEM image of SLV-NW-90

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 SEM image of SLV-NW-300

SEM image of SLV-NW-900

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 SEM image of SLV-NP-100

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Elementary Analysis

Element Content C(%) H(%) O(%)

SLV-NW-60 0.03 0.23 0.14
SLV-NW-90 0.03 0.23 0.14
SLV-NW-300 0.124 0.226 0.274
SLV-NW-900 0.128 0.231 0.030
SLV-NP-100 0.15 0.25 0.10

Conductivity Improvement

1.4
Reaching Instrument Max
1.2
Silver Deposit conductance(1/ohms)

series 4
1.0
series 3
series 2
series 1
0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Volume (number of drop) of silver-contained droplet
where one droplet contain 0.001g silver

Figure 1. Deposit conductance vs volume (number of drop) of silver-contained droplets on the electrode. Curve 1:
sphere silver dispersion (series 1 silver dispersion); curve 2: flake silver dispersion (series 2); curve 3: sphere silver
dispersion doping with 2.6 wt% nanowires (series 3); curve 4: flake silver dispersion doping with 2.6 wt% nanowires
(series 4).

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 Table 1. The resistivity of electrical composites doping with silver nanowires.
No. Ag sphere Ag wire PA Total Ag Sphere/PA Wire/PA Resistivity
/g /g /g /％ /% /% / Ωcm
1 0.200 0.000 1.0 16.7 20.0 0.0 3.28E-03
2 0.200 0.010 1.0 17.4 20.0 1.0 1.67E-03
3 0.410 0.043 1.0 31.2 41.0 4.3 2.80E-04
4 0.328 0.0825 1.0 29.1 32.8 8.3 5.30E-05
5 1.5 0.000 1.1 57.7 136.4 0.0 8.56E-05
Note: PA is polyacrylate

In high-viscid polymer system (polyacrylate), the addition of silver nanowires can still improve the conductance of the
hybrid conductive composite. More silver nanowires added the better performance of the composite. Compared with
the Sample 4 and 5, it is clear that the resistivity of former using silver nanowires as the additive is lower than the one of
the later, though the total Ag fillers content of sample 4 is only a half of the sample 5.

Dispersion of silver nanowires solution

IMPORTANT: Before use of mixture always disperse before applying. Material settles during shipment.

1) Solvent Selection
Use organic solutions. For circumstances where special organic solvent has to be used, please consult
Blue Nano for technical advice.
2) Dispersion method
a. Put nanomaterial solution into a tube or a container.
b. Put the tube or container into ultrasonic equipment for dispersion and then stir it with glass rod.
Set ultrasonic time on 10 min. (See FAQ)
* Ultrasonic Power > 100 Watts, Frequency > 40 KHZ

Solutions available for material suspension

1. Ethanol (Default solution )

2. Isopropanol
3. Terpineol

FAQ
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General
• Can Blue Nano help with applying the silver nanowires into my application?
o Blue Nano is a materials manufacturer and generally does not get involved with a company’s product
unless contracted to do so.
o Blue Nano will be happy to assist you with any questions directly related to the material.
o Blue Nano may be able to consult (consulting fees may apply) on your application, inquiries can be sent
to info.US@BlueNanoInc.com .
o Blue Nano has a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (MNDA) for confidential discussions.

• Can material be customized for specific needs?

o Material can be customized to meet specific requirements*
o Alloys can be created e.g. Ag & Au *
*May incur additional charges

• Why do you ship the material in ethanol?

o It helps to prevent agglomeration and oxidation of the material.

• How long will the material last and do I need to keep it refrigerated?
o Provided that there is no volatile solvent out the material will last approximately one (1) year from
production at room temperature (if the solvent is volatile you can re-inject the solvent again) after one (1)
year or removal from solvent the silver nanowires will become oxidized or agglomerate. There is no
need to refrigerate the material.
o Blue Nano suggests that the material have minimal open exposure (less than one [1] hour) out of its
solvent until final application by customer.

• What is the temperature at which the material will start melting?

o 960 C

• How do I remove the solution to get a dry powder material?

o You can either place the material in a centrifuge (preferred) or put it onto a baking tray in an oven at
125F for 30min.
IMPORTANT: Never let the solution evaporate naturally (as in a Petri dish).

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Mixing
• What do I do if I want to mix a different chemical or binder with the silver nanowires?
o First disperse the material in ethanol and then add preferred solution.

• Can I use other solutions to disperse and/or transport the material?

o Blue Nano’s solution of choice is ethanol, but other solutions can be used to compliment the end
applications.

• What methods can I use to disperse the material?

o You can shake or stir (like a martini) or use an ultrasonic mixer. Please check after 10min. Excessive
movement may cause damage to the wires.
IMPORTANT: Blue Nano analyzes all material and keeps the highest quality standards but it cannot be
responsible for customer handling of the material.

• What kind of mixer should I use to disperse the material?

o Planetary Power Mixer for the continuing stirring. Ultrasonic Mixer have better efficacy.
o “Choppers or egg beaters” are NOT recommended.

Disclaimer
Blue Nano provides the information contained herein in good faith and makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or
accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained
person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its
appropriateness for a particular purpose. Blue Nano makes no representations or warranties either express or implied, regarding the
suitability of the material for any purpose or the accuracy of the information contained within this document. Accordingly, Blue Nano
will not be responsible for damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.

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