In this work, we have synthesized spherical silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by a low-cost, rapid, simple and ecofriendly approach using Date palm fruit extract as a novel natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The product was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Zeta potential measurements. The reaction conditions including time, content of reducing agent and silver nitrate, temperature and pH were investigated. The optimum yield of Ag NPs was obtained when 10 mM of silver nitrate was reacted with Date fruit extract at pH 11 and heated it to 55 °C within 10 minutes. The elemental and crystalline nature of Ag NPs were confirmed from EDX and XRD analysis. SEM and TEM images showed that the Ag NPs were spherical and with sizes in the range of 25-60 nm. On the base of FT-IR analysis, it can be stated that the functional groups present in bio-molecules of Date fruits are responsible for the reduction and stabilization of Ag NPs, respectively. The Ag NPs showed good antibacterial activity against a few human pathogenic bacteria. The catalytic activity of the Ag NPs for rapid and efficient reduction of toxic nitro compounds into less toxic corresponding amines by using NaBH 4 was also investigated.

We present a facile and efficient method for modifying the surface of silica‐coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with bis(pyrazolyl) triazine ruthenium(II) complex [MNPs@BPT–Ru (II)]. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetry analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry analyses were employed for characterizing the structure of these nanoparticles. MNPs@BPT–Ru(II) nanoparticles proved to be a magnetic, reusable, and heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogen transfer reduction of ketone derivatives. In addition, highly pure products were obtained with excellent yields in relatively short times in the presence of this catalyst. A comparison of this catalyst with those previously used for the hydrogen transfer reactions proved the uniqueness of MNPs@BPT–Ru(II) nanoparticle which is due to its inherent magnetic properties and large surface area. The presented method also had other advantages such as simple reaction conditions, eco‐friendliness, high recovery ability, easy work‐up, and low cost.