Formation of Au nanoparticles in an ionic liquid by electron beam irradiation

A novel method to synthesize Au nanoparticles via a reductive reaction in an ionic liquid containing Au(3+) ions was demonstrated using a low-energy electron beam irradiation technique; Au nanoparticles (similar to 122 nm) formed by the incident electron beam were well dispersed and crystallized; this finding opens up the possibility that the use of electron beams and ionic liquids is of key importance in the development of new fabrication techniques for nanomaterials.