Synthesis and dispersion of isolated high aspect ratio gold nanowires

We report the assembly properties of high density and high aspect ratio metal nanowire arrays (Au, Cu and Ag with diameters ranging from 40 to 250 nm) after release from the anodic alumina oxide (AAO) templates. Individual Ag and Cu nanowires were observed following release from the template, however, in the case of gold nanowires, the dispersion was dependent on size and aspect ratio. 40–100 nm gold wires aggregated to form bundles or disordered mats. We show that a simple cyanide-mediated release from the AAO template, results in isolated dispersion of wires even for the smallest wire diameters. Possible stabilising mechanisms for observed tendency of nanowires dispersion are discussed.

Graphical abstractWe describe a new cyanide-mediated method to release high density, high aspect ratio Au nanowires from the anodic alumina oxide templates in which they are electrochemically grown.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide