Preparation of gold nanoparticles in an aqueous medium using 2-mercaptosuccinic acid as both reduction and capping agent.

Monolayer protected gold nanoparticles with diameters above 10 nm were prepared by a simple, one step reaction in water. 2-mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) was used both as reduction agent for hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (HAuCl4) and as stabilizing agent for the gold nanoparticles. Size distribution and surface chemistry were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Particle size can be controlled by adjusting the molar portions of the reactants. The resulting particles are efficiently stabilized against aggregation when MSA is used in a concentration of 40% and above. Below a minimum MSA concentration a long-term particle growth is observed.