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We report the synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional silver nanostructures using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as a template material. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy are consistent with the formation of a one-dimensional array of silver particles on SWCNT. We observe evidence for the excitation of the longitudinal silver plasmon mode in the optical absorption spectra of Ag-SWCNT dispersions, even in the lowest silver concentrations employed. The results indicate that silver deposits on SWCNT may be candidates for light-to-energy conversion through the coupling of the electric field excited in arrays of plasmonic particles.

Hollow nanostructures are functional structures suitable for high energy material storage, controlled drug release, light weight structural materials, catalysts and filters. We present evidence, based on scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements, for the formation of one and three dimensional hollow nanostructures from chemically modified silver particles. One dimensional structures form in acid media while an increase in the solution ionic strength result in the formation of hollow nanostructures that exhibit three dimensional order. Such structures can find applications in high energy material storage, catalysis, electrochemistry and biomedicine.