One-pot synthesis of ultrafine Ag-hydrogel composites with enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Ultrafine Ag nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties have a wide potential catalytic application. Herein, a one-pot method based on UV irradiation was applied for the synthesis of Ag-hydrogel composite, in which ultrafine Ag nanoparticles with a mean size of 2.47 ± 0.26 nm were well dispersed in the hydrogel network. In addition, the as-prepared Ag-hydrogel composites showed great catalytic performance and stability in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.