Synthesis of micron-SiO2@nano-Ag particles and their catalytic performance in 4-nitrophenol reduction

Silver nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of micron-silica spheres, by a simple and effective process. The composite was used in the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4 as a catalyst. It showed a comparable apparent reaction rate with that of spherical silver nanoparticles.