Fig. 3.

Reducing-agent-free and template-free synthesis of Au nanowires (AuNWs) in the aqueous microdroplets. a AuNWs with several micrometer length. Scale bar is 1 µm. b Formation of AuNW network. Scale bar is 100 nm. c Junction between two AuNWs. Scale bar is 20 nm. d A TEM image showing the lattice spacing of ~2.3 Å, corresponding to the Au(111) structure, confirming that the nanowire is made of pure Au. e, f AuNWs accompanying with AuNP and AuNP aggregates. Scale bars for e and f are 300 nm and 100 nm. g, h Two different types of AuNWs formed in the microdroplets with a smooth surface (g) and beaded surface (h). Scale bars for g and h are 20 nm