This very paper is focusing on the preparation of silver nanostructures and the surface enhanced Raman scattering effect of the silver nanostructures produced. Via electroplating technology, silver nanowires and nanoparticles were prepared on silicon wafers. Characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope equipped with X-ray energy dispersion spectroscope and selected area electron diffraction, which reveals that the formation of silver nanostructures depends on the over-potential. The produced silver nanowires are of crystalline FCC structure and grow in < 0 1 1 > direction. The growth mechanism has been further discussed. The surface enhanced Raman scattering effect is achieved with the silver nanostructures produced. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.