The radiation-induced preparation of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles in Au(III) complexes with units of poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) and poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) – poly(acrylic acid)

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with average sizes of 1.5 nm and 3 nm and narrow size distribution have been prepared in the irradiated aqueous solutions and suspensions of Au(III)-complexes with units of poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVT) and poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) – poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) respectively. The formation of AuNPs has been studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effective stabilization of ultrasmall AuNPs is achieved due to the combination of both electrostatic interaction of polymer units and the specific adsorption of functional groups on the nanoparticle surface. The radiation-chemical approach makes it possible to obtain nanoparticles of a controlled size and containing no impurities of chemical reducing agents. • Ultrasmall AuNPs were obtained in the irradiated dispersions of PVT and PVT-PAA. • Radiation-chemical method provides the synthesis of AuNPs with no chemical impurities. • Specific adsorption of PVT groups on Au-surface ensures stabilization of crystal AuNPs. • The smallest amorphous particles are formed in triple PVT-PAA-AuNPs complexes.