Rapid Synthesis of Size-controlled Gold Nanoparticles by Complex Intramolecular Photoreduction

A rapid synthesis of size-controlled gold nanoparticles was proposed. The method is based on the sensitive intramolecular photoreduction reaction of Fe( Ⅲ )-EDTA complex in chloroacetic acid-sodium acetate buffer solution,where Fe(Ⅱ)-EDTA complex generated by photo-promotion acts as a reductant of AuCl4- ions. Gold nanoparticles formed were stabilized by EDTA ligand or other protective agents added. As a result, well-dispersed gold nanoparticles with an average diameter range of 6.7 to 50. 9 nm were obtained. According to the characterizations by the UV spectrum and TEM, the intramolecular charge transfer of the excited states of complex Fe(Ⅲ) -EDTA and the mechanism of forming gold nanoparticles were discussed in detail.