Synthesis of silver nanorods and nanowires by tartrate-reduced route in aqueous solutions

A simple, template-less, self-seed and aqueous-phase synthesis of bicrystalline silver nanorods and nanowires is described and potassium tartaric was used as a reductant to reduce silver nitrate (AgNO3) for the first time in the presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). By changing the AgNO3/PVP ratio, the diameter and length of silver nanorods and nanowires can be controlled. The end-to-end assembly of the silver nanorods was found. It is indicated that, from the selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) study, the silver nanocrystals are generated with a bicrystalline structure. The effect of the concentration of NaOH is investigated and the reactions taken place during the formation of nanostructure silver is proposed.