Large-scale synthesis of high-quality ultralong copper nanowires

The present difficulties in synthesis of one-dimensional copper are short length, nonlinear morphology, polydispersivity, poor crystallinity, low yield, and process complexity. In this work, we demonstrate that high-quality ultralong copper nanowires (90-120 nm in diameter, 40-50 microm in length; aspect ratio >350-450) can be synthesized in large scale with a facile aqueous reduction route at low cost. The prepared copper nanowires can also be used as starting solid precursor for fabrication of polycrystalline oxide nanotubes via direct oxidation in air.