AgI modified silicon nanowires: synthesis, characterization and properties of ionic conductivity and surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Silver iodide (AgI) is an interesting material for its superionic conductivity property. In this paper, high-purity silicon nanowires were synthesized using the high temperature method, and their surface was modified with AgI nanoparticles. The composites of the AgI/SiNW nanostructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The ionic conductivity of the AgI/SiNW nanostructure changed rapidly at temperatures above 147 degrees C. Also, the AgI/SiNW nanostructure was the ideal substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering in chemical detection, which may be used in the biomedical field. The easy fabrication of the AgI/SiNW nanostructure with good properties makes it possible to be widely employed in nanodevices and biodetection.