A method for the controlled synthesis of silver nanoshells on various dielectric colloids, such as silica and polystyrene is presented in this study. The complexation of triethanolarnine and silver ions is applied here to moderate the availability of the silver ions in the reaction solution, which directly affect the coating process. The morphologies of the particles were studied with transmission electron microscopy and their crystallinity and chemical composition were confirmed by X-ray and electron diffraction. The synthesis conditions were investigated and experimental results show that compact silver shells with easily controlled thickness can be deposited on dielectric cores by this method. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.