Recent progress in the synthesis of silver nanowires and their role as conducting materials

Synthesis of silver nanowires got much attention of researchers due to their promising applications in various fields of nanoelectronic devices. Many research articles focusing on silver nanowires synthesis have been reported since past decade. A number of techniques have been applied for successful synthesis of silver nanowires. Solution-based polyol process was proved as a dominant approach to the fabrication of silver nanowires with homogeneity and high aspect ratio. Various inorganic salts have been used in solution-based polyol synthesis of silver nanowires which play a key role in controlling the final morphology of silver nanowires and lead to uniform growth of silver nanowires. The different experimental parameters have been studied, which directly influence the final morphology of silver nanowires. The research on the development of an efficient synthesis approach of silver nanowires is still in progress to accomplish the need of advanced technology for controlled morphology and highest aspect ratio of silver nanowires. Moreover, the unique applications of silver nanowires in conducting polymers composites were discussed.