Nanosilver conductive ink: A case study for evaluating the potential risk of nanotechnology under hypothetical use scenarios. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, David P.; Melby, Nicolas L.; Jordan, Shinita M.; Bednar, Anthony J.; Kennedy, Alan J.; Negrete, Maria E.; Chappell, Mark A.; Poda, Aimee R.
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 162(2016)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Nanosilver -- Release -- Single particle ICP-MS -- Environmental health and safety -- Hazard -- Regulatory; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.07.082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being incorporated into a variety of consumer products due to unique properties that offer a variety of advantages over bulk materials. Understanding of the nano-specific risk associated with nano-enabled technologies, however, continues to lag behind research and development, registration with regulators, and commercialization. One example of a nano-enabled technology is nanosilver ink, which can be used in commercial ink-jet printers for the development of low-cost printable electronics. This investigation utilizes a tiered EHS framework to evaluate the potential nano-specific release, exposure and hazard associated with typical use of both nanosilver ink and printed circuits. The framework guides determination of the potential for ENM release from both forms of the technology in simulated use scenarios, including spilling of the ink, aqueous release (washing) from the circuits and UV light exposure. The as-supplied ink merits nano-specific consideration based on the presence of nanoparticles and their persistence in environmentally-relevant media. The material released from the printed circuits upon aqueous exposure was characterized by a number of analysis techniques, including ultracentrifugation and single particle ICP-MS, and the results suggest that a vast majority of the material was ionic in nature and nano-specific regulatory scrutiny may be less relevant. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The release of silver and associated hazard from a nanosilver-containing electrical technology was assessed. A tier-based approach was used to guide EHS testing of the nanosilver ink and printed circuit. Aqueous exposure following disposal was identified as a likely release scenario. Silver released from printed circuits was primarily ionic.