Here we present an easy method for the in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles supported on SBA-16. The metal ions diffuse into mesopores of silica and their in situ reduction results in the formation of nanoparticles of size similar to the pore size. The use of SBA-16 support also facilitates particle extraction/separation from the reaction media and prevents particle aggregation in high temperature applications. The resulting supported metal nanoparticles offer added advantages like high activity, selectivity and reusability of the materials.