Size-controllable synthesis of gold nanoparticles via carbonylation and reduction of hydrochloroauric acid with CO and H2O in ionic liquids

The An nanoparticles (AuNPs) with controllable sizes were successfully prepared through carbonylation and reduction of hydrochloroauric acid with CO and H2O in BMImBF4 ionic liquid. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy characterization indicated that the AuNPs with average diameters of 1.7-12.8 nm were obtained with different preparation conditions.