Flowerlike Ag microparticles with novel nanostructure synthesized by an electrochemical approach

Three-dimensional (3D) flowerlike silver microparticles (FSMPs) with novel nanostructure have been synthesized on the surface of a Pt film by a very simple, rapid and cost-effective electrochemical approach without introducing any template, surfactant or modification of electrode surfaces. The as-prepared FSMPs exhibit flowerlike morphologies and are built with many 2D nanoflakes as building blocks. The nanoflakes intersect mutually and have smooth surfaces, outwardly wavy edges and uniform thickness. The density of nanoflakes and the diameter of the FSMPs can be easily controlled by changing the electrodeposition time. A possible mechanism for electrochemical growth of the flake-built FSMPs is suggested on the basis of experimental results.