Polyol Synthesis of Silver Nanowires by Heterogeneous Nucleation; Mechanistic Aspects Influencing Nanowire Diameter and Length

Abstract

The growth of silver nanowires via polyol synthesis is studied by employing AgCl nanocubes of varying size as the heterogeneous nucleants. The final mean silver nanowire diameter is found to be independent of the size of the heterogeneous nucleant, showing that the diameter is not significantly influenced by the nucleation event. Kinetic studies determine that nanowire diameter, length, and aspect ratio grow in parallel to one another and with the extent of the Ag+ reduction reaction, demonstrating that growth is limited by the reduction rate. The results are interpreted to support nanowire growth by a surface-catalyzed reduction process occurring on all nanowire surfaces and to exclude nanoparticle aggregation or Ostwald ripening as a primary components of the growth mechanism.