Traditional nanoparticle synthesis typically involve high purity reagents and harsh conditions, such as high temperature and pressure. Furthermore, these syntheses are typically done on a microliter scale, and therefore are not industrially viable for large scale synthesis. Electrochemistry provides an alternative synthesis route at milder conditions and allows for synthesis to be performed on a much larger scale. Metal wires act as a sacrificial anode to supply cations into solution which can be later reduced. By changing the electrolyte and current passed in the system, it is possible to control shape and size of the nanoparticles.