CTAB-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Ag/C nanostructures

Ag/C nanostructures (core–shell nanoparticles and nanocables) were obtained through the reduction of Ag + with ascorbic acid in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under hydrothermal conditions. It was found that the final morphology of the product was determined by the CTAB concentration. The formation process of both nanostructures included two evolution stages: (1) the synthesis of the Ag nanoparticles in the restriction of CTAB, (2) the carbonization of ascorbic acid and the formation of an amorphous carbon layer on Ag nanoparticles surface. The present study offers a possible new route to prepare new nanostructures.