Abstract
Well-organized and stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully prepared within polymeric film of polyvinyl alcohol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as supporting matrix. The free-standing film was obtained by using the casting technique. Electron microscopy techniques confirmed the formation of spherical AgNPs of 15 nm size. The prepared AgNPs were crystallized in face-centered cubic structure as indicated by X-ray diffraction. The as-prepared nanocomposite film exhibited good catalytic properties in the complete catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The AgNPs are tightly held within a polymeric matrix which facilitates their recovery and reuse for several cycles.