Direct synthesis of singular silver dendrites over TiO2 nanotubes using pentetic acid as capping agent

Abstract

Silver dendritical nanostructures are known for their interesting electronic and optical properties compared to other Ag morphologies, vastly utilized for covering TiO2 nanotubes. However, multiple steps are required to assemble both of these structures. This paper reports a novel synthesis of vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes covered by a forest of silver dendrites, obtained through the incorporation of electrodeposition (ED) cycle before the anodization process. Utilizing pentetic acid as a capping agent promotes superficial silver nucleation in both ED and anodization cycles. Also, testing varied ED cycle lengths provided information regarding the morphological evolution of the hierarchical silver structures, as some branches adopted a 90° angle from the central axis.