Synthesis of Ag dendritic nanostructures by using anisotropic nickel nanotubes

Ag dendritic nanostructures were synthesized via a mild hydrothermal reaction using nickel nanotubes as reducing agent. The crystal morphologies changing from dendrite to compact crystals were investigated during the evolution of reaction system from non-equilibrium to quasi-equilibrium conditions. It was found that the strong shape anisotropy of Ni nanotube might influence the formation of dendritic patterns. The transition from silver dendrites to Ag compact crystals was investigated and the effect of surfactants is also discussed.