Synthesis of bimetallic goldsilver alloy nanoclusters by simple mortar grindingElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and characterization of chitosan-stabilized AuAg NCs. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11727d

A macroscale quantity of bimetallic AuAg alloy nanoclusters was achieved through sequential reduction by simple mortar grinding. The chitosan biopolymer was used as both a stabilizing and reducing agent. These nanoclusters exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. AuAg alloy nanoclusters stabilized by chitosan can be formed through sequential reduction by simple mortar grinding.