Silver nanowires and nanoparticles are synthesized by a polyol method in a millifluidic reactor. We have been able to optimize the flow chemistry reaction conditions to get a high yield of nanowires in a continuous flow. By changing reaction parameters we have demonstrated the synthesis of single crystalline silver nanoparticles in a rapid reaction time of only 3 minutes. All results are compared with standard batch and microwave reactions. An example of application is provided through the silver nanowire assisted etching of silicon wafers. This colloidal approach of metal assisted silicon etching allows transferring of the nanowire shape to silicon.

Colloidal silver has gained wide acceptance as an antimicrobial agent, and various substrates coated with nanosilver such as fabrics, plastics, and metal have been shown to develop antimicrobial properties. Here, a simple method to develop coating of colloidal silver on paper using ultrasonic radiation is presented, and the coatings are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), and thermogravimetry (TGA) measurements. Depending on the variables such as precursor concentrations and ultrasonication time, uniform coatings ranging from 90 to 150 nm in thickness have been achieved. Focused ion beam (FIB) cross section imaging measurements revealed that silver nanoparticles penetrated the paper surface to a depth of more than 1 mu m, resulting in highly stable coatings. The coated paper demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, suggesting its potential application as a food packing material for longer shelf life.