In this work, a green method was employed to prepare CNT/CS/AgNP composites, and the catalytic performance of the composites was evaluated. Firstly, carbon nanotubes were modified by chitosan molecules to generate carbon nanotube/chitosan (CNT/CS) composites. Then, silver ions were absorbed and in situ reduced to Ag nanoparticles by the CNT/CS composites, forming CNT/CS/AgNP composites without any other reductants. UV-Visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to analyze the composition, crystalline structure, morphology, and thermal stability of CNT/CS/AgNP composites. The results showed the average size of silver nanoparticles was 6 nm, and the Ag particles were uniformly distributed on the surface of carbon nanotubes. Overall, the CNT/CS/AgNP composites showed high catalytic activity for hydrogenation reduction of p-nitrophenol with a rate constant of 0.257 min(-1) and an activation energy of 89.27 kJ mol(-1).