Converting AgCl nanocubes to silver nanowires through a glycerol-mediated solution route

Abstract

Silver nanowires have been synthesized from AgCl nanocubes through a glycerol-mediated solution method with the assistance of a polymer surfactant (PVP). The influencing factors such as reaction time, PVP and temperature on the quality and quantity of the product were investigated through monitoring the reaction process using electronic microscopy. The results indicate that appropriate temperature and time are crucial to produce nanowires, whereas PVP concentration influences the diameter and length of the nanowires. The possible mechanism is proposed. The investigations of silver sources show that AgCl nanocubes are proper feedstock to acquire silver nanowires. This paper provides a new way to produce silver nanowires from insoluble salts.