Low-Temperature Ink Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: From Modification to Inkjet Printing

This article presents studies on the production of carbon inks by modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using acid treatment in an autoclave and selection of solvents to form stable colloidal solutions. The aim of the study was to develop optimal inks for inkjet printing that meet the basic requirements at all the stages of forming functional elements for electronics. The obtained carbon materials were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to identify structural and morphological changes. Defunctionalization processes were studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. Stability of MWCNT suspensions in dimethyl sulfoxide was evaluated for a fortnight. The mechanism of low-temperature recovery of MWCNTs by dimethyl sulfoxide was confirmed using quantum chemical calculations. The effect of solvents on rheological properties of inks, precipitation formation, control of their morphology, as well as electrical characteristics of the printed layers were studied.