A template-free oxide reduction route to silver nanowires

Crystalline silver nanowires, with diameters of 100-500 rim and lengths up to tens of micrometer, were synthesized via a reaction of Cu2O and AgNO3 in aqueous solution mixed with ethanol at room temperature. Cu2O was used as reducing agent. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The possible mechanism for the formation of silver nanowires is discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.