Copyright © 2015 by TechConnect. All rights reserved. The effect of nanoparticle (NP) surface chemistry and functionalization on the catalytic performance in Suzuki coupling is assessed. Capping ligands commonly used in colloidal synthesis such as oleylamine, dodecanethiol, propylene glycol and PVP are compared with commercial Pd on carbon. The catalysts are analyzed pre- And post-reaction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Capping ligands are found to have a positive or negative effect on the catalytic performance depending on the chemistry of the functional group. Capping ligands further impact on the reusability of the catalyst. Changes in the NP surface chemistry and morphology during the reaction are key deactivation pathways for catalysts, even a room temperature. In particular PVP, was observed to give excellent stability to colloidal catalysts preventing significant NP aggregation and facilitating excellent reusability.