Oleylamine assisted synthesis of ultralong copper nanowires

Abstract

This paper reports the hydrothermal synthesis of smooth and ultralong copper nanowires (Cu NW) prepared using oleylamine (OM), oleic acid (OA), and Cl- ion as coordinating and etching agents respectively. Cu nanowires with mean diameters around 82.3 nm and lengths exceeding 300 μm were synthesized using 2 % vol. OM and 1.8 mM OA at 120oC after 12 h. The Cu NWs exhibit five-fold twinning and growth along the [110] direction. The morphological evolution of the products were also observed and discussed. Without Cl-, octahedral crystals instead of nanowires were formed. The addition of oleic acid as coordinating agent resulted to fewer particles and smoother nanowires which exhibit excellent mechanical stability. This method provides a simple, low-cost and high yield synthesis of Cu NWs for applications such as gas sensors and transparent conducting electrodes.