I worked on a reaction of 4-aminobenzene diazonium with silver nanoparticles, AgNPs, (citrate-capped) and confirmed the attachment of aniline moiety on the nanoparticles by SERS spectra. I would like to diazotize the amine-group on the aniline on AgNPs.

I would like to diazotize either with HCl or HBF4 and NaNO2. My concern is if the acid is mixed with AgNPs, the nanoparticles may dissolve. Would I be able to diazotize by putting in the acid to a mixture of AgNPs and NaNO2 instead? The usual diazotization, as far as I know, takes place by pouring in NaNO2 solution into a mixture of acid and amine compound. I am wondering if the reverse would work. Thank you for your help in advance!