Synthesis of TiO2-Au composites by titania-nanorod-assisted generation of gold nanopartictes at aqueous/nonpolar interfaces

Hydrophobically coated anatase TiO2 nanorods can assist the reduction of AuCl4- ions at aqueous/nonpolar solvent interfaces, which results in the generation of organic-soluble Au nanoparticles with tunable size in the absence of any metal ligands and/or phase-transfer agents. The titania- nanorod-driven modulation of interfacial energy and catalysis of gold nucleation provide straightforward access to nanocomposite solutions of TiO2-stabilized Au nanoparticles. Among colloidal approaches, this method represents a unique tool for the surfactantless, large-scale preparation of nanostructured semiconductor-metal hybrid systems with relevant technological potential in catalysis, photocatalysis, and charge-storage processes.