Direct synthesis of a macroscopic array of naked Ag nanoparticles

Abstract

A 2-D array of naked Ag nanoparticles has been synthesized through interfacial reduction of Ag⁺ under hydrothermal conditions. The process bestows the synthesis, nucleation, growth and self-assembly of the nanoparticles in a simple one-pot reaction and makes use of no additive or capping agent. The resulting macroscopic liquid silver mirror is highly stable and composed of tightly packed naked Ag nanoparticles (17 (3) nm diameter, with interparticle gaps of 1.3 (1.0) nm) which can be easily transferred to a given substrate for application.