High-yield synthesis of monodisperse polyhedral gold nanoparticles with controllable size and their surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity

The aqueous-phase synthesis of polyhedral gold nanoparticles with remarkably narrow size distribution is reported. By using a seeding growth approach, icosahedral gold particles with controllable size can be synthesized in high-yield. Citrate-capped 3.5 nm gold nanoparticles, prepared by the reduction of HAuCl 4 with sodium borohydride, are used as seeds. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The prepared gold nanoparticles show efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering activities.