A simple, template-less, self-seed and aqueous-phase synthesis of bicrystalline silver nanorods and nanowires is described and potassium tartaric was used as a reductant to reduce silver nitrate (AgNO3) for the first time in the presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). By changing the AgNO3/PVP ratio, the diameter and length of silver nanorods and nanowires can be controlled. The end-to-end assembly of the silver nanorods was found. It is indicated that, from the selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) study, the silver nanocrystals are generated with a bicrystalline structure. The effect of the concentration of NaOH is investigated and the reactions taken place during the formation of nanostructure silver is proposed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.