One pod synthesis of single‐crystal silver nanowires for selective detection of Pb(II)

With tannin as both reducing and stabilising agents, high yield single‐crystalline silver (Ag) nanowires were synthesised in a simple solution system at 45–55°C. No additional capping or co‐reduction agent was required. The length of the Ag nanowires could be up to several tens of micrometres and the average diameter was 50 nm. By adjusting the temperature and pH values of the reaction system, nanoparticles were obtained as the main product. The tannin protected Ag nanowires could be used for the detection of Pb(II) ions with high sensitivity and selectivity and the detection limit could be as low as 10 −8 M. This detection assay is more practical in application because of its green and low cost preparation and longer storage time at ambient conditions.