Gamma rays induced synthesis of graphene oxide/gold nanoparticle composites: structural and photothermal study

Gamma irradiation provides an alternative pathway to conventional gold nanoparticle synthesis because it is simple, fast, and economical. Here, we employed gamma at low doses (1–20 kGy) obtain nanoparticles (Au NPs) anchored onto graphene oxide (GO) sheets. GO was selected as a suitable platform for the nucleation growth of Au NPs its large surface area good dispersibility in water due presence polar oxygen-containing functional groups structure. all applied led reduction chloroauric acid formation evenly distributed surface, simultaneously causing partial restoration As-prepared have predominately spheric shapes smallest were reported dose 1 kGy. The increase caused either larger particles (5 10 or broad distribution particles’ sizes (20 kGy). All samples showed temperature upon exposure 800 nm laser photothermal efficiency highest sample prepared 20