Morphology-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles on the silicon substrate by a facile silver mirror reaction

The Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with different morphology were quickly deposited on p-type Si substrate by a facile silver mirror reaction without capping agents and morphology driving seeds at room temperature. By controlling the concentrations of [Ag(NH3)2]+ and reducing agent (glucose), short rod and quasi-round Ag-NPs were produced on Si substrate. The results show that the shape of the Ag-NPs was defined by [Ag(NH3)2]+ concentration. The concentration of glucose affected the coverage fraction instead of shape of Ag-NPs. Under the high concentrations of [Ag(NH3)2]+, anisotropic crystal structure of short rod Ag-NPs were ascribed to total energy minimization. The high glucose concentration led to agglomeration of particles. Different nanoporous structures on Si substrate etched by using Ag-NPs enable control over its properties and are useful for the solar cells applications.