Optimization of Silver Nanowires Synthesis and Purification Processes for Commercially Viable Pilot Scale Production

银纳米线(SNW)具有较大的长径比、纳米直径和优异的导电性，是最有希望用于改善先进多元体系电学性能的纳米材料之一。因此，它们已成为新型应用中的关键功能部件，包括用于显示器或太阳能电池板的柔性透明电极、传感器、热涂层、催化剂、导电油墨和粘合剂。目前已经开发了几种制备纳米线的物理和化学方法，其中多元醇反应已被证明是实验室规模制备长度和直径范围内的SNW的有效方法。剩下的挑战是扩大反应和提纯程序，以实现高成本、高产量、可控性能的纳米线的生产。在此，我们提出了一个合作研发项目，以中试规模生产不同等级的银纳米线。该研究通过对反应途径和一系列实验结果的广泛分析，系统地研究了影响纳米线合成和纯化的主要因素。在对产品进行彻底分析的同时，产能将分多个步骤扩大。将应用所需的修改，以确保在每一步都保持所需的质量。结果将被用于实施优化的、经济上可行的中试工艺，以实现高产量、可控的SNW生产。然后将检查已建立的过程自动化的可行性，以提高产品的一致性。此外，还将提出一个假设，以阐明反应机理，并为进一步扩大生产规模提供指导。这项研究的成功完成是迈向SNW和SNW基先进材料商业化生产的第一步。将至少培训两名实习生，并设立一个全职职位。我们希望发表和展示这项研究的部分结果。我们还将考虑为SNW生产工艺申请专利的可能性。

Silver nanowires (SNW) are among the most promising nanomaterials for modifying electrical properties of advanced multicomponent systems due to their large length to diameter ratio, nanometric diameter, and exceptional electrical conductivity. As the result they have become key functional component in novel applications including flexible transparent electrodes for displays or solar panels, sensors, thermal coatings, catalysts, and conductive inks and adhesives. Several physical and chemical methods have been developed for production of nanowires, among which the polyol reactions have been proven efficient for making SNW with a range of lengths and diameters at laboratory-scale. The remaining challenge is scaling-up the reaction and purification procedure for cost-effective, high-yield production of nanowires with controlled properties.Here we are proposing a collaborative R&D project on pilot scale production of various grades of silver nanowires. The research involves systematic study of the major factors influencing the synthesis and purification of the nanowires via extensive analysis of the reaction pathway and the outcome of an array of experiment. The production capacity will be expanded in multiple steps alongside thorough analysis of the product. Required modifications will be applied to ensure the desired quality is maintained at each step. The results will be used to implement an optimized, economically viable pilot-scale process for high-yield, controlled production of SNW. The feasibility of automating the established process will then be examined to improve the product consistency. Also, a hypothesis will be developed to elucidate the reaction mechanism and provide guidelines for further increase in production scale. Successful completion of this research is the first step towards commercial production of SNW and SNW-based advanced materials. At least two interns will be trained, and one full-time position will be created. We expect to publish and present a portion of the results of this study. We will also consider the possibility of patenting the SNW production process.