Submicrometer intermediates in the citrate synthesis of gold nanoparticles: New insights into the nucleation and crystal growth mechanisms

► Liquid domains and globules 30-50 nm in diameter are found as intermediates by AFM. ► DLS shows abrupt appearance of species about 30 nm and larger. ► Growing Au nanoparticles are confined within aggregated globules. ► Colors of the reaction solutions are due to interparticle distances.