A series of single beta-phase nano-Ag1-xCuxI(x = 0-0.5) solid solutions powders were synthesized by wet-chemical-chelating reaction processing and citric acid used as complexing agent. The Ag1-xCuxI powders were determined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that the crystalline size and lattice parameter of the Ag1-xCuxI powders decrease with an increase in the amount of CuI substitution. The copper in the lattice of the Ag1-xCuxI can effectively prevent the crystalline growth of the Ag1-xCuxI powders and citrate used in the Ag1-xCuxI powders synthesized process can accelerate single beta-phase crystalline structure formation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.