Silver nanowires formed within multi-walled carbon nanotubes by radiation-induced reduction of silver ions

Long and continuous silver nanowires within multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were formed after irradiating the suspension of MWCNTs-silver nitrate solution in the presence of 2-propanol due to radiation-induced reduction of silver ions. Observation using transmission electron microscopy showed that the silver nanowires could be up to 2 μm in length, with a well-oriented structure. The conditions for growing silver nanowires within MWCNTs were investigated and the possible filling mechanism was proposed. The length of silver nanowires was influenced by ambient temperature of radiation and the presence of 2-propanol was crucial for the formation of silver nanowires within MWCNTs.