Growth of non-branching Ag nanowires via ion migrational-transport controlled 3D electrodeposition

Non-branching twinned Ag nanowires have been synthesized within a three-dimensional electrochemical deposition system by using a non-supporting electrolyte and an unusually high over-potential. The branching rate of the Ag nanowires is significantly decreased under the interactions of a strong applied potential and the low concentration electrolyte, in which an ion migrational-transport controlled 3D electrochemical growth is created. Additionally, according to finite-element simulations, a high density growth of Ag nanowires originating from the high over-potential creates a planar growth front, resulting in a small probability of the branching growth.