Metal nanomaterials have unique properties than their bulk materials. The directional growth of macro scopically area metal nanostructures cannot be prepared because of the limitation of traditional synthesis methods. Solid - state ionics method can prepare ideal nanostructures by effectively controlling the morphology of surface, length, degree of order and surface roughness of nanostructures. In this paper, the preparation mechanism of solid- state ionics method was reviewed at first. The preparation process of single metal and the effects of electric field strength, electric current and different fast ionic conductor films on the morphology and order of nanostructures were introduced in the second. Then, we summarized the preparation techniques of different alloy nanostructures and composite nanostructures. By comparing the limiting concentrations of different nanostructures as surface enhanced Raman scattering(SERS) substrate, various factors affecting the detection sensitivity were summarized. Finally, the problems and potential applications of followed by summary and outlook for the research in the field.