The surface stability of metal nanoparticles was enhanced by adsorption of layered silicate (so-called "clay") on metal nanocubes whose surface was protected by a surfactant. The strong adsorption of the layered silicate to the metal nanocubes via the surfactant eliminated the need for using excess surfactant for metal nanoparticle dispersion. Furthermore, the surface of the negatively charged hybrids was demonstrated to be modifiable with cationic molecules.