Facile photochemical synthesis of unprotected aqueous gold nanoparticles

Aqueous, unprotected gold nanoparticles were prepared from HAuCl4 using a water-soluble benzoin (Irgacure-2959) as a photochemical source of strongly reducing ketyl radicals. This rapid method provides spatiotemporal control of nanoparticle generation, while light intensity can be used to control particle size. The particles are stable for months and do not require any of the conventional (S, N, or P) stabilizing ligands, although these can be readily incorporated if required.