Silver Nanostructures: Exploration of Synthesis and Oxidation Resistance

Student’s name: Darian Rosales Home Institution: Mesa Community College NNCI Site: NCI – SW @ ASU/NAU REU Principal Investigator: Dr. Miguel Jose Yacaman, Northern Arizona University REU Mentor: J. Jesus Velazquez Salazar, Northern Arizona University Abstract: Silver nanowires are robust nano structures which contain many inherent unique material properties. The properties of these nano structures can vary with shape and size, such as displaying antibacterial, antiviral, or anti-fungal behaviors as well as conducting electricity. Due to the wide range of novel properties found in silver nanowires, there are numerous potential applications across the semiconductor, medical, and flexible/wearable electronics industries. The experiment sought to explore reliable synthesis methods of silver nanowires and determine which synthesis parameters were most crucial for homogeneous nanowire production. The nanowire attributes analyzed for consistency were the morphology, length, and diameter. The primary synthesis method used was the polyol method. Once uniform silver nanowires were generated, they were then coated in a layer of nickel. Scanning electron microscopy images were developed to gather data on the nanowire synthesis attributes, and transmission electron microscopy images were generated for analysis of the nickel outer coating. The goals of the experiment were to showcase a reliable methodology for producing homogenous silver nanowires, and to illustrate how silver nanowires can be coated by nickel to improve oxidation resistance.