A facile synthesis of branched silver nanowire structures and its applications in surface-enhanced Raman scattering

• We report a facile method of preparing novel branched silver nanowire structures such as Y-shaped, K-shaped and other multi-branched nanowires. These branched nanostructures are synthesized by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) with polyvinglpyrrolidone (PVP) as capping agent. Statistical data indicate that for the "y" typed branched nanowire, the branches grow out from the side of the trunk nanowire in a preferential orientation with an angle of 55A degrees between the branch and the trunk. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies indicate that the defects on silver nanowires could support the growth of branched nanowires. Conditions such as the molar ratio of PVP/AgNO3, the reaction temperature, and the degree of polymerization of reducing agent and PVP play important roles in determining the yield of the silver branches. Due to the rough surface, these branched nanostructures can be used as efficient substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

branched silver nanowire

surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)