Colloidal copper and peculiarities of its reaction with silver ions in aqueous solution

Interactions between colloidal copper and silver ions lead to the formation of silver nanoparticles. The reaction proceeds through the intermediate stage of the formation of a copper-silver contact pair. The formation of bimetallic Ag core Cu shell nanoparticles is observed in the presence of the “seeding” silver nanoparticles and upon the simultaneous radiochemical reduction of Ag + and Cu 2+ ions.