Large-scale synthesis of defect-free silver nanowires by electrodeless deposition

We report a new method that generates high-density, long aspect ratio and large-area silver nanowire arrays within the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane by reducing silver nitrate with ethylene glycol. The freestanding and defect-free silver nanowires can be obtained at high yields. In a typical procedure, the as-prepared silver nanowires have a mean diameter of ∼ 53 nm. It is found out that both temperature and reaction time are important factors in determining the morphology and aspect ratios of nanowires. Lower temperature and longer time are favorable to form polycrystalline silver nanowires with high uniformity and aspect ratios.