Silver nanostructure dependence on the stirring-time in a high-yield polyol synthesis using a short-chain PVP

Abstract This paper describes the size and shape evolution of silver nanostructures synthesized by a typical-polyol method that yields high nanowire content using a short-chain (MW=40,000) polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, were used to characterize the nanostructures synthetized in this work. It was found that the morphology of silver nanostructures changes as a function of the stirring time of the silver precursor salt (silver nitrate, AgNO 3 ) before the addition of the capping agent (PVP). Results showed that after 60 min of stirring, the reaction yields silver nanowires (~99%).