A synthesis route of gold nanoparticles without using a reducing agent

Abstract

In the present work we show that synthesis of gold nanoparticles (NPs) could be performed by microwave-assisted technique without the need of adding any reducing agent. Only water and the gold salt precursor are necessary to generate the NPs under the influence of microwaves. The produced NPs have been characterized by state-of-art microscopy techniques, like high resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray. Theoretical calculations have been performed to support the experimental findings. It is expected that the present work opens routes for synthesis of NPs using green, fast, and safe methods.