Thermodynamic and kinetic competition in silver dendrite growth

A straightforward and robust protocol is developed to large-scale synthesize silver dendritic structures. An interesting morphological evolution process driven by a competition between the thermodynamic and kinetic factors is first experimentally observed in a replacement reaction. Kinetic factor drives that the product presents non-equilibrium morphology with round tip. While thermodynamically stable hexagonal plate-like morphology can be obtained with the reaction proceeds. And the kinetic factor may dominate the reaction again owing to the concentration field oscillation or fluctuation.