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Stage of development
TRL 4 (tested in lab environment)

Intellectual property
Priority patent application filed

Intended collaboration
Licensing and/or co-development

Contact
Laura Redondo
Vice-presidency for Innovation and Transfer
otc@icmm.csic.es
comercializacion@csic.es

Reference
CSIC/LR/024
Additional information
#Materials #Metals and alloys #Micro & Nanomaterial

Metallic nanoparticles with high electrical conductivity

New sustainable method for producing metallic nanoparticles with superior stability and high conductivity. Highly useful in conductive inks for electronic printing, radio frequency antennas, catalysts, conductive paints or coatings.

Market need
Most current copper nanoparticle synthesis methodologies require conditions non-environmentally friendly (reducing/inert atmosphere). Those that do not require these conditions and use low temperatures (<200°C) generate particles that are either too small and easily oxidizable or too large.
There is a need for a cheaper and more sustainable method to produce metallic copper nanoparticles that can be used for a variety of applications and that can be produced in a greener, easier, and more cost-effective manner.

Proposed solution
A new scalable synthesis method is proposed, using non-toxic chemicals, environmentally friendly solvents, and renewable materials.
The method uses continuous synthesis, facilitated by microwaves, reducing reaction timings, to obtain large quantities of copper nanoparticles with improved properties: stability against oxidation, reduced size, and high homogeneity in particle shape and size distribution. This allows for large-scale production of nanoparticles, overcoming the traditional challenges associated with copper oxidation and long synthesis times.

Competitive advantages
  • Faster and more environmentally friendly methodology.
  • Stability in atmospheric conditions, small particle size and size distribution, and high reaction yield.
  • The nanoparticles obtained have a low oxide content, which improves their electrical conductivity.
  • Large-scale production and uniformity.