Green synthesis of β-CD-functionalized monodispersed silver nanoparticles with ehanced catalytic activity

Increasing application of noble-metal nanoparticles (MNPs) urges the development of a nontoxic and environmentally friendly synthesis methodology. In this paper,using β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) as reducer and stablizer, a green synthetic approach of monodispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with diameter between 10–25   nmin aqueous alkaline medium is reported. By varying the molar ration of β-CD/AgNO 3 , the size of as-prepared silver particles can be readily controlled. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the AgNPs was discussed. On the basis, the catalytic activity of the as-prepared AgNPs was studied toward reduction of p -nitrophenol by NaBH 4 . The experimental results shown that surface modified by β-CD can improve the catalytic activity of the silver nanoparticles.