In this work, we present a novel process for the fabrication of a silver-nanoparticle-modified electrode using silver ion implantation. This method is facile, low-cost and environmental friendly without the use of any linking chemicals. The modified electrode was verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The AgNPs formed on the electrode are in the zero-valent metallic state with a size distribution in the range of 3-6 nm. The modified electrode shows prominent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of formaldehyde with long-term stability and could be useful in fuel cells. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.