A Facile Non-Aqueous Approach for the Synthesis of Cu Nanowires

Abstract

A non-aqueous synthetic route has been developed for the preparation of uniform Cu nanowires with length up to tens of micrometers. Unlike commonly used one-pot synthesis approach that usually involve a fast reduction of metal precursors in the presence of reducing agents, a continuous-injection approach has been to utilized to control the speed of reaction and the concentration of Cu nuclei. In this approach, copper (II) chloride dihydrate and nickel (II) acetylacetone which are dissolved in oleylamine solutions have been injected into octadecene by a syringe-pump. The as-prepared samples have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that the products are pure Cu nanowires which have preferred <110> growth directions. The formation mechanism and major influencing factors on the synthesis of Cu nanowires have been discussed.