Antenna of silver nanoparticles mounted on a flexible polymer substrate constructed using inkjet print technology

Abstract

This article describes the construction of an antenna that operates at frequencies of 1.07, 1.5, and 2.49 GHz and that is fabricated on a flexible polymer substrate using inkjet printing technology. In particular, this article is focused on the preparation and characterization of an antenna starting from the ink formulation for printing a homogeneous, electrically conductive layer using silver nanoparticles. The diameter of the prepared silver nanoparticles ranges from 50 to 200 nm. The inkjet printing technology on flexible polymer substrates offers a wide range of applications where there are high demands for flexibility. In combination with the polymer substrate, inkjet printing enables the production of more complex shapes and curves for antennas that are widely applicable not only in wearable electronic devices but also in plastic cases for portable communication devices. © 2016 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.