Mechanistic studies on the formation of silver nanowires by a hydrothermal method

Silver (Ag) nanowires were fabricated from silver chloride (AgCl) by the hydrothermal method. The successful formation of Ag nanowires relied on the low solubility of AgCl as a precursor and the structural change of glucose to polymer on the Ag nanowire (protective layer). The Ag(+) ion concentration in the reaction solution containing AgCl was initially low, but after a reaction time of over 12 h, Ag(+) gradually reduced to Ag metal. Transmission electron microscope, Raman spectrometery, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface of the obtained Ag nanowires possessed a carbon-rich layer with a carboxyl group, and the Ag(+) ion coordinated with the carboxyl group of this layer. The difference in the surface-free energy of Ag crystals changed the crystal growth rate that impelled the anisotropic growth of the Ag particles. By examining various reaction conditions, it was determined that the ratio of Cl(-) to Ag(+), reaction temperature, and reaction time are important factors for successful preparation of Ag nanowires. Under the reaction condition that the molar ratio of Cl(-) to Ag(+) at 160 °C for 24 h is above equimolar concentration, uniform Ag nanowires were successfully prepared.