A simple method for fabricating silver nanotubes

Abstract

We report an easy and simple approach for making silver nanotubes (NTs) using electrospinning. Silver nanoparticles were first deposited on an electrospun polymer nanofiber template by dip-coating in aqueous medium. Subsequently, selective dissolution of the polymer core led to the formation of silver NTs. Average diameter of the NTs was 250 nm and wall thickness was about 50 nm. This method allows the synthesis of a large quantity of silver NTs with high yield. Wall thickness and porosity of the NTs could be readily tuned by varying the dipping time and concentration of the metal precursor. The approach developed is very general and could be used for fabricating NTs of a variety of noble metals, bi-metals and metal oxides.