Electrically guided microweb formation with Ag nanofibers under UV irradiation and its application to electrochemical and plasmonic devices

Micrometer-scale webs consisting of interconnected Ag nanofibers were prepared in a solution system containing Ag ⁺ ions and ethylenediaminetetraacetate under UV illumination. The site-specific formation of the Ag microwebs on desired locations, such as the surface of metal microwires and transparent glass substrates, was achieved with the application of a weak negative bias. The electrode covered with the Ag microweb exhibited a high performance as an electrochemical capacitor because of its well-connected structure with a high specific surface area and a wide space for the smooth ion transfer. Significant negative photoconductivity under visible light illumination was observed with the transparent Ag microwebs formed on a glass plate due to the strong interaction between electrons and excited surface plasmon polaritons in the nanoscale network.