Role of the anions in the hydrothermally formed silver nanowires and their antibacterial property.

Highlights: [•] The additive anions were found to be of significant importance in determining the final products. [•] A new pathway was proposed for the formation of Ag0 that AgxAy act as the oxidant. [•] The formation mechanism was analyzed from the viewpoint of standard reduction potential. [•] The obtained AgNWs showed excellent and long-lasting bactericidal efficiency for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]