Radical scavenger for the stabilization of gold nanoparticles

In this contribution, we report the photo-catalytic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using poly(vinyl alcohol) as a radical surfactant stabilizer. Small Au nanoparticles were prepared depending on the concentration of the stabilizer. Both particle size and surface plasmon band are dependent on the concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) and irradiation time. Transmission electron microscopic image and dynamic light scattering measurement shows that particles are spherical and monodispersed, respectively. This approach provides a simple route to fabricate gold nanoparticles that hold much promise for use in catalysis, chemical sensing, and biolabeling.