Electron transfer from the benzophenone triplet excited state directs the photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles.

The rarely recognized electron donating ability of the benzophenone triplet excited state provides an unusual route for the photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles.

Ultraclean derivatized monodisperse gold nanoparticles through laser drop ablation customization of polymorph gold nanostructures.

We report a novel nanosecond laser ablation synthesis for spherical gold nanoparticles as small as 4 nm in only 5 s (532 nm, 0.66 J/cm(2)), where the desired protecting agent can be selected in a protocol that avoids repeated sample irradiation and undesired exposure of the capping agent during ablation. This method takes advantage of the recently developed synthesis of clean unprotected polymorph and polydisperse gold nanostructures using H(2)O(2) as a reducing agent. The laser drop technique provides a unique tool for delivering controlled laser doses to small drops that undergo assisted fall into a solution or suspension of the desired capping agent, yielding monodisperse custom-derivatized composite materials using a simple technique.

Special issue dedicated to the memory of Elsa Beatriz Abuin Saccomano (1942-2012).

In memoriam of Elsa Abuin (1942-2012), teacher, mentor and friend. This Special Issue presents a collection of review articles and papers dedicated to the memory of Elsa Abuin and most of them presented during the Meeting of the Latin-American photochemists (Encuentro Latino-Americano de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, ELAFOT) held in October 2012 in Córdoba, Argentina.