Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol by silver nanoparticles stabilized on environmentally benign macroscopic biopolymer hydrogel

► Fabrication of biopolymer hydrogel stabilized silver nanoparticles is described. ► The Ag@AHs showed remarkable performance for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol. ► The Ag@AHs can be easily separated and readily reused for catalytic application.