Tunable morphology and high-yield synthesis of silver nanowires via ascorbic acid-citric acid mediated polyol process for flexible electronics

Facile, fast and high yield synthesis of silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have always been difficult due to lack of optimized control over affecting parameters. Solution-based polyol synthetic routes have enabled Ag NWs with unique and novel properties to provide a base for a wide range of applications. Ag NWs are indispensable for flexible electronics but achieving fast high yield synthesis with single crystalline and high purity remains a challenge. Here, we report a novel, scalable solution-phase method that produces Ag NWs with \(>\) 90% yield, single-crystalline structure, and ultrahigh purity (no detectable oxides or impurities) with fast synthetic process. By optimizing a dual-reductant system (ascorbic acid/citric acid) ratio in a mixed solvent (ethylene glycol/water) with precise control of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) concentration (0.03 M) and PVP (0.09 M, MW: 360 k), we achieve high yield uniform NWs with mean diameter (μ) = 64.4 ± 16.2 nm (nm) with single crystalline nature. Finally, the potential applications of as-synthesized Ag NWs are demonstrated by successfully preparing Ag-based conductive ink. The conductive material exhibits resistivity of 11.7 µΩ cm equals 7.4 times the resistivity of bulk Ag. Flexibility and stability of the prepared Ag conductive material were determined by tensile-bending testing system and placing the Ag conductive material in air, respectively. It indicates that the prepared Ag conductive material has the potential to be used in flexible electronics and wearable equipment.