Ag nanoparticles anchored on mesoporous silica materials with and without zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) were prepared (Ag-MPS and Ag-MPS-ZnPc respectively). The morphology, structure and composition of the materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The new materials were used for electrode modification and the nanoelectrode ensemble (NEE) behavior of Ag-MPS and Ag-MPS-ZnPc materials was semi-quantitatively evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Further, electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite is demonstrated at these NEE. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.