Rapid synthesis of Ag@Ni core–shell nanoparticles using a microwave-polyol method

Mixtures of AgNO3 and NiSO4·6H2O, NiCl2·6H2O, or Ni(NO3)2·6H2O were reduced in ethylene glycol (EG) in the presence of NaOH and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) under microwave (MW) heating for 10 min. Then, we succeeded in the synthesis of Ag core–Ni shell nanoparticles, denoted as Ag@Ni, in high yield. The formation of Ag@Ni particles was confirmed using energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) measurements and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns. The growth mechanism of Ag@Ni is discussed. The UV–Vis spectra of Ag@Ni were similar to those of Ni particles.