Generation of diversiform gold nanostructures inspired by honey's components: growth mechanism, characterization, and shape separation by the centrifugation-assisted sedimentation.

The green synthesis of irregular-shaped nanomaterials used for various applications in nanoplasmonics, medicine, and biotechnology creates an economical and environmental challenge. We describe the rapid wet-chemical approach to synthesis of stable and water-soluble gold nanostructues at room temperature. In addition to spherical and road-like nanoparticles, gold decahedra and triangular plates were grown using the one-step synthesis process of HAuCl(4) in the presence of honey, in which main components act as reducing (glucose) and stabilizing (fructose) agents; the mechanism of the process is discussed in details.