High resolution print-patterning of a nano-suspension

In this paper we report a breakthrough in accurately print-patterning features from a nano-suspension. Twenty nanometer size equiaxed silica particles dispersed in a liquid medium were subjected to electrohydrodynamic forces and the type of jetting observed was mapped over a pico to femto flow rate regime-electric field parametric space. In the stable cone-jet mode, ∼60 μm features are patterned using a unique but simple, computer-controlled device. By reducing the flow rate by a further three orders of magnitude, a fine jet can be generated instantaneously and we are able to exploit this and accurately position ∼13 μm diameter equiv-spaced droplet-relics, which contain a dense assembly of the nanoparticles. We also demonstrate drawing of ∼17 μm wide lines of the nano-suspension.