Facile synthesis of carboxymethyl curdlan-capped silver nanoparticles and their application in SERS

► A green and simple route was proposed to synthesize Ag nanoparticles. ► Ag particles were formed by using carboxymethyl curdlan (CMc) under UV irradiation. ► CMc played an important role in the synthesis and stabilization of Ag nanoparticles. ► Size dispersity and morphology of Ag particles related to the concentration of CMc. ► Enhancement effect of Ag particles in surface enhanced Raman scattering was found.