This research described a novel self-assembling process from Ag₂O nanoparticles into Ag₂O nanowires and their growth mechanism. In the basic water-alcohol solution, Ag₂O nanoparticles came into being while AgNO₃ interacted with the silica nanoparticles surface-functionalized by N-(2-aminoethyl)-3- aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (AMPTS). The formed Ag₂O nanoparticles further self-assembled into Ag₂O nanowires on the surface functionalized silica. The shape and size of Ag₂O nanowires could be controlled by adjusting the molar ratios of Ag/Si in the reactants. Under the lower molar ratio of Ag/Si, uni-form Ag₂O nanowires with diameter of about 50 nm and length of several tens micrometers were obtained. With the higher molar ratio of Ag/Si, Ag₂O nanowires became thicker, shorter and irregular. However, it was shown by HRTEM that all Ag₂O nanowires consisted of tiny Ag₂O particles with diameter of 10～20 nm. The whole process of Ag₂O nanoparticles forming and self-assembling into Ag₂O nanowires was observed by TEM and the corresponding growth mechanism was further investigated.

Key words: silver oxide, nanowire, self-assembly