Ambient synthesis of a multifunctional 1D/2D hierarchical Ag-Ag2S nanowire/nanosheet heterostructure with diverse applications

A new type of unique 1D/2D hierarchical Ag-Ag2S heterostructures is fabricated by an extremely simple solution route under ambient conditions. The morphology, size, crystal structure and composition of the products were comprehensively investigated, and it was found that the reaction time and the amount of S powder play crucial roles in the formation of well-defined 1D/2D hierarchical Ag-Ag2S heterostructures. The diffusion and Ostwald ripening processes dominate the evolution of the heterostructure. The resultant 1D/2D Ag-Ag2S hybrids exhibit great potential in Li/Na ion battery anodes, SERS detection and decoloration towards organic dyes.