Realisation of Hydrotalcite‐type Protonic Conductor Thick Films by the Screen‐printing Technique

A new type of realisation of the hydrotalcite‐type lamellar compound Zn2AI(OH)6Cl.nH2O is described, using an original ink composed of a concentrated aqueous suspension of Zn2AI(OH)6Cl.nH2O powder, which, when applied by the screen‐printing technique, in particular environmental conditions—in a high relative humidity atmosphere—permits one to obtain very satisfactory deposits. Optical characterisation shows good resolution and levelling of the screen‐printed layer. X‐ray patterns show a high orientation of the (hkO) reticular planes of the screen‐printed material in a direction parallel to the substrate; this is a very interesting characteristic related to experiment on the electrical properties of this type of compound. Tests show the good adherence of the deposited layer on alumina or glass. Future applications are envisaged.