Analysis of the formation process of gold nanoparticles by the electric current application in electrolyte solution

Abstract

It has been reported that the generation of fine particles derived from electrode materials was confirmed by the electric current method in liquid. The formation process of these fine particles is thought to involve three reactions: electrolysis of H₂O, ionization of the electrode material, and growth of the particles by re-reduction of the generated ions. In the present study, electrochemical measurements were carried out using a three-electrode cell in order to investigate the details of the formation process of Au microparticles, and the results obtained are discussed.