Using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as both a green reductant and stabilizer, ultrafine noble metal nanoparticles (Rh NPs, Pt NPs, Pd NPs) are synthesized and in situ deposited within amino-functionalized halloysite nanotubes (N-HNTs) via a facile and eco-friendly process. These noble metal nanoparticles with extremely small size (similar to 1.5 nm) are dispersed densely and uniformly on both outside and inside surface of N-HNTs. Rh deposited N-HNTs (Rh-N-HNTs) was investigated as a model composite catalyst and applied in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and it exhibited amazing activity and recycle stability. Due to the green and flexibility of the technique described here, noble metal nanoparticles, metal nanoalloy, or metal oxide nanoparticles with ultrafine particle size also can be loaded densely and uniformly on the surface of diverse amino-functionalized nanotubes, nanofibers or nanoporous, and these composites may be applicable in catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrochemical areas. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.