Abstract: Nanostructures formed of metal nanostrands, and methods of forming the nanostrands, are described. These nanostructures can be used as a flexible or non-flexible, transparent or non-transparent conductive films or electronic circuit for various different applications. An example metal nanostrand can include: a first nanoplate joined laterally to a second nanoplate. Each of the nanoplates can have a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces laterally extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. A (111) crystallographic plane can be arranged at each of the top surface and the bottom surface.