Synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by hydrolysis of Mg–Ag intermetallic compounds

Ag nanoparticles have successfully been synthesized by hydrolysis of the Mg–Ag intermetallic compounds at room temperature. Both Mg54Ag17 and MgAg spontaneously undergo hydrolysis in water at room temperature, and form Ag, Mg(OH)2 and hydrogen. Ag nanoparticles prepared by hydrolysis of Mg–Ag intermetallic compounds were predominantly spherical in shape with a mean size of about 10 nm. The hydrolysis method has a potential to economically produce Ag nanoparticles.