Advancements in Copper Nanowires: Synthesis, Purification, Assemblies, Surface Modification, and Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Copper nanowires (CuNWs) exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, optoelectronic, and mechanical properties.
• There is a growing need for scalable synthesis of CuNWs with improved dispersibility and oxidation resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent progress in copper nanowire synthesis, properties, and applications.
• To establish a correlation between CuNW synthesis, structure, properties, and their diverse applications.

Main Methods:

• Overview of synthetic strategies for single-crystalline and fivefold twinned CuNWs via reduction of Cu(I) and Cu(II) ions.
• Discussion of purification techniques and the formation of multidimensional CuNW assemblies (films, aerogels, arrays).
• Highlighting methods for enhancing CuNW oxidation resistance.

Main Results:

• Detailed review of advanced synthesis routes and growth mechanisms for high-quality CuNWs.
• Exploration of various assembly strategies and effective oxidation protection methods.
• Summary of emerging applications in optoelectronics, energy, catalysis, and wearable devices.

Conclusions:

• CuNWs are promising nanomaterials with tunable properties for advanced applications.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in large-scale production and long-term stability.
• The review establishes a strong link between synthesis parameters and resulting CuNW performance.