Controlled synthesis of monodisperse silver nanocubes via a solvothermal method

Silver nanostructures have been synthesized via a simple solvothermal method by adding sodium sulfide (Na2S) into the solution. The morphologies of products are controlled by the concentration of Ag2S formed in the initial stage. A low-concentration Ag2S (12.5 similar to 50 mu M) acts as the catalysis, leading to the formation of silver nanocubes with controllable sizes. However, a high-concentration Ag2S (100 mu M) mainly acts as the controlling agent. It facilitates the synthesis of silver nanowires. Reaction conditions, the reaction temperature and the molar ratio of the repeating unit of PVP to AgNO3 (R), have also been investigated. A possible mechanism is proposed to interpret the synthesis of silver nanocubes and nanowires. Finally, our results indicate that this strategy provides a simple route to prepare silver nanocubes with adjustable sizes.