Machinable long PVP-stabilized silver nanowires

PVT-capped silver nanowires with a diameter range from 150 to 200 nm and a length range from 50 to 100 mum have been synthesized in large quantity by using a soft-template liquid-phase method. The so-obtained longer and thicker metallic nanowires exhibit fivefold-twinned structures bound by five {100} wall-planes and two spearlike ends around five {111} facets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations show that a strong interaction exists between the carboxyl oxygen atom (C=O) of PVP and the Ag core interface. The PVP-capped Ag nanowires can either self-assemble into ordered raft structures or form a complicated network, depending on the dispersive solvent employed. In addition, the Ag nanowires can also be specifically bent into various angles, demonstrating their excellent mechanical stability.