Au particle spontaneous synthesis

Aqueous polymeric solutions, Au particle spontaneous synthesis, 128-135 Atomistic modeling, vapor-phase formation of magnetic nanocomposite, 60-61,62/... 

The spontaneous formation of Au particles at room temperature in air-saturated aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene glycol)s was investigated using optical, potentiometric and conductivity techniques. The kinetic information is consistent with a mechanism in which Au(III) complexes bind through ion-pairs to pseudocrown ether structures of the polymers. Reduction of the metal centers follows through their reactions with the oxyethylene groups that form these cavities. The particle size of the metal crystallites is controlled by the molar mass of the polymers. Agglomerates of small Au particles are formed as final products when polymers of low molar mass are used in the synthesis. 

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