Silver Nanowires: From Synthesis, Growth Mechanism, Device Fabrications to Prospective Engineered Applications

Abstract

Due to their excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and comprehensive performance on optoelectronics, flexible electronics, and mechanics, silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have attracted much attention and achieved diverse functions comparing other one-dimensional nanomaterials. Ag NWs-based conductive films are considered the most promising substitute for indium tin oxide (ITO) film because they could be expected to solve the problem of scarcity of indium resources and the disadvantage of the unsuitability for bending. A variety of synthesis routes of Ag NWs have been studied, and some applications of Ag NWs-based conductive films have been explored. Plenty of excellent progress had been achieved. However, it remains to find a preferable synthetic route for homogeneous Ag NWs with high yields and to explore the synthesis mechanism of Ag NWs in depth from the thermodynamics and kinetics processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress of Ag NWs from synthesis, growth mechanism, and device fabrications to prospective engineered applications.