Metallic Nanofiber Ink, Substantially Transparent Conductor, and Fabrication Method

Abstract

An exemplary printable composition comprises a liquid or gel suspension of a plurality of metallic nanofibers; a first solvent; and a viscosity modifier, resin, or binder. In various embodiments, the metallic nanofibers are between about 10 microns to about 100 microns in length, are between about 10 nm to about 120 nm in diameter, and are typically functionalized with a coating or partial coating of polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a similar compound. An exemplary metallic nanofiber ink which can be printed to produce a substantially transparent conductor comprises a plurality of metallic nanofibers; one or more solvents such as 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, cyclohexanol, or mixtures thereof; and a viscosity modifier, resin, or binder such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a polyimide, for example.

1 . A composition comprising:
 a plurality of metallic nanofibers, substantially all of the metallic nanofibers at least partially coated with a polymer;   a first solvent; and   a viscosity modifier, resin or binder.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers have lengths between about 1μ and about 250μ and diameters between about 10 nm and about 500 nm. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers have lengths between about 15μ and about 100μ and diameters between about 20 nm and about 100 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers have lengths between about 30μ and about 70μ and diameters between about 20 nm and about 40 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers have lengths between about 40μ and about 60μ and diameters between about 25 nm and about 35 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, silver, gold, nickel, palladium, tin, platinum, lead, zinc, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least a partial coating of a polymer comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin or binder selected from the group consisting of: polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide polymers and copolymers (including aliphatic, aromatic and semi-aromatic polyimides), acrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; clays such as hectorite clays, garamite clays, organo-modified clays; saccharides and polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum; celluloses and modified celluloses such as hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl methylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxy propyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxylethylcellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan; fumed silica, silica powders, modified ureas; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first solvent comprises 1-butanol. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 3 percent to 10 percent by weight. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder comprises a polyimide and is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5% by weight. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the first solvent comprises cyclohexanone. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 0.05 percent to 99.95 percent by weight. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a second solvent different from the first solvent. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone and is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5% by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the first solvent comprises 1-butanol and the second solvent comprises cyclohexanol. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 3 percent to 10 percent by weight and the second solvent is present in an amount of about 50 percent to 95 percent by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising an organic acid present in an amount of about 0.1% to 2% by weight, the organic acid comprising at least one acid selected from the group consisting of: carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the second solvent is at least one cyclic alcohol. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising a third solvent, the third solvent different from the first solvent and the second solvent, the third solvent present in an amount of about 0.1% to 10% by weight. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein the third solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein the third solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, acetic acid, cyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5.0% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof and further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of about 1.75% to 98.25% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         26 . A method of making the composition of  claim 25 , the method comprising:
 mixing the plurality of metallic nanofibers with 1-butanol and cyclohexanol;   mixing polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cyclohexanol;   heating the mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cyclohexanol to between about 80° C. to about 90° C.;   cooling the mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cyclohexanol to about 25° C.;   adding the mixture of the plurality of metallic nanofibers with 1-butanol to the mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cyclohexanol; and   mixing the plurality of metallic nanofibers, 1-butanol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cyclohexanol for about 3 to 10 minutes in an air atmosphere.   
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5.0% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; and further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of about 2.75% to 97.25% by weight, wherein the second solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.0% to 4.5% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; and further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of about 4.5% to 95.5% by weight, wherein the second solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.0% to 4.5% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of 0.01% to 5.0% by weight, the second solvent comprising an acid or a base; and further comprising a third solvent present in an amount of about 4.5% to 95.4% by weight, the third solvent comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.0% to 4.5% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of 0.01% to 5.0% by weight, wherein the second solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof; and further comprising a third solvent present in an amount of about 4.5% to 95.4% by weight, the third solvent comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.18% to about 0.3% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.0% to 4.5% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of 0.1% to 2.0% by weight and comprising a carboxylic acid; and further comprising a third solvent present in an amount of about 3.7% to 96.3% by weight, the third solvent comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.0% to 4.5% by weight and is selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of 0.01% to 5.0% by weight, wherein the second solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof; further comprising a third solvent present in an amount of about 4.5% to 95.4% by weight, the third solvent comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the viscosity of the composition is substantially between about 200 cps to about 20,000 cps at 25° C. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers are coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and the plurality of metallic nanofibers are present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight; wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 18% to 28% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the viscosity modifier, resin, or binder is present in an amount of about 1.4% to 3.75% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof; further comprising a second solvent present in an amount of 0.001% to 2% by weight, wherein the second solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-octanol, acetic acid, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; and further comprising a third solvent present in an amount of about 20.4% to 79.6% by weight, the third solvent comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a viscosity substantially between about 200 cps and about 20,000 cps at about 25° C. 
     
     
         35 . A method of using the composition of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 printing the composition to form an electrical contact.   
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5% by weight and comprises a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol. 
     
     
         37 . A composition comprising:
 a plurality of metallic nanofibers, substantially all of the metallic nanofibers at least partially coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone, the plurality of metallic nanofibers present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 3.0% by weight;   a first solvent;   a second solvent different from the first solvent; and   a viscosity modifier, resin or binder present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5.0% by weight and comprises at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof;   wherein the viscosity of the composition is substantially between about 200 cps to about 20,000 cps at 25° C.   
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the first solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 3 percent to 10 percent by weight. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the first solvent comprises 1-butanol and the second solvent comprises cyclohexanol. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 41 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 3 percent to 10 percent by weight and the second solvent is present in an amount of about 50 percent to 96.3 percent by weight. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 42 , further comprising acetic acid present in an amount of about 0.1% to 2% by weight. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder comprises a polyimide and is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5% by weight. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the first solvent comprises cyclohexanone. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 50 percent to 99.99 percent by weight. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the first solvent comprises cyclohexanone and the second solvent comprises a crosslinking agent. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the viscosity modifier, resin or binder is present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5% by weight and comprises a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the second solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 37 , further comprising a third solvent, the third solvent different from the first solvent and the second solvent, the third solvent present in an amount of about 0.1% to 10% by weight. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 50 , wherein the third solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 50 , wherein the third solvent is at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 0.01% to 10% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the second solvent is present in an amount of about 1.75% to 98.25% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the first solvent is present in an amount of about 2.5% to 8.0% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the second solvent is present in an amount of about 4.5% to 95.5% by weight and comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         55 . An apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of metallic nanofibers embedded in a polymer;   wherein the polymer comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof.   
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 55 , wherein the plurality of metallic nanofibers comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, copper, silver, gold, nickel, palladium, tin, platinum, lead, zinc, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 55 , further comprising:
 at least a trace amount of a solvent.   
     
     
         58 . The apparatus of  claim 57 , wherein the solvent comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, N-propanol (including 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropanol or IPA), 1-methoxy-2-propanol), butanol (including 1-butanol, 2-butanol (isobutanol)), pentanol (including 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol), hexanol (including 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol), octanol, N-octanol (including 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, terpineol; lactones such as butyl lactone; ethers such as methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, and polyethers; ketones, including diketones and cyclic ketones, such as cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, acetone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetophenone, cyclopropanone, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone; esters such ethyl acetate, dimethyl adipate, proplyene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, glycerin acetate, carboxylates; glycols such as ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; carbonates such as propylene carbonate; glycerols such as glycerin; n-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl formamide (DMF), N-methyl formamide (NMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); acids, including organic acids such as carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, acetic acid, oxalic acid, mellitic acid, formic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid; bases such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide; and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         59 . A composition comprising:
 a plurality of metallic nanofibers, substantially all of the metallic nanofibers at least partially coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone, the plurality of metallic nanofibers present in an amount of about 0.01% to 3.0% by weight;   a first solvent present in an amount of about 0.01% to 10% by weight and comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: 1-butanol, ethanol, 1-pentanol, n-methylpyrrolidone, cyclohexanone, 1-hexanol, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof;   a second solvent present in an amount of about 1.75% to 98.25% by weight and comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of: cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanol, butyl lactone, and mixtures thereof; and   a viscosity modifier, resin or binder present in an amount of about 0.75% to 5.0% by weight and comprising at least one viscosity modifier, resin, or binder selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a polyimide, and mixtures thereof;   wherein the viscosity of the composition is substantially between about 200 cps to about 20,000 cps at 25° C.