Synthesis and characterization of copper–silver core–shell nanowires obtained by electrodeposition followed by a galvanic replacement reaction in aqueous solution; comparison with a galvanic replacement reaction in ionic media

Abstract

Copper-silver core-shell nanowires were synthesized using a combination of two methods: electrodeposition in a polycarbonate membrane as a template for the synthesis of a copper core and a galvanic replacement reaction for the elaboration of a silver shell. A comparative study between aqueous and ionic liquid media was performed for the silver shell elaboration. The kinetics of the reaction in both media was monitored by using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The shape and size of the nanowires were observed by both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The core-shell structure was determined by electron energy loss spectroscopy analyses for the Cu 90 Ag 10 composition. A homogenous silver shell was formed in aqueous media. Whereas in ionic solvent, well defined silver crystals were obtained at the surface of the nanowires but without a total formation of a silver shell structure.

Synthesis of copper–silver bimetallic nanopowders for a biomedical approach; study of their antibacterial properties

“…Such Cu-Ag core-shell structures were already obtained for submicro and microparticles. 35,42,44,45,47 As shown in a previous work, 42 the silver shell widely modies the conversion reaction kinetic that becomes very slow from about 40 at% of silver. This was explained by the presence of the silver coat limiting the access to the subjacent copper.…”

Advancements in Copper Nanowires: Synthesis, Purification, Assemblies, Surface Modification, and Applications

“…These clusters acted as seeds to grow into NPs or NRs via tuning the ratio of Cu/Ag. Moreover, Fricoteaux and co‐workers coated Ag atoms on the surface of CuNWs using galvanic replacement reaction in ionic and aqueous solvents, which affected the kinetics and structure of deposited Ag. However, galvanic replacement generally corroded and oxidized the CuNWs, leading to a reduction in their length due to breakage, the desired concentration of reductant could effectively inhibit the galvanic displacement .…”