Electroless deposition of a Ag matrix on semiconducting one-dimensional nanostructures

Abstract Composite materials consisting of one-dimensional semiconducting nanostructures embedded in a Ag matrix were produced. The regarded nanostructures are hydrothermally grown TiO 2 nanorods and SnO 2 nanowires obtained by chemical vapor deposition with a vapor–liquid–solid growth process. The Ag was deposited by means of electroless plating, for which AgNO 3 was employed as the Ag + source and a glucose-based aqueous solution as the reducing agent. Cross-section micrographs obtained through scanning electron microscopy show homogeneous and compact Ag coatings, which penetrated down to the substrate level filling the space between the oxide structures. Additionally, the SnO 2 composite was analyzed by focused ion beam nanotomography with a measured porosity of 0.1%. The obtained materials are potential candidates for electrical contacts applications.