Core-shell Au@(TiO(2), SiO(2)) nanoparticles with tunable morphology.

A novel approach based on the Stöber method allows breaking of the symmetry of core-shell systems based on metallic core and metal oxide shell. By adjusting the proportion of the TiO(2) precursor with regard to the silica precursor, different morphologies of the particles have been obtained displacing the gold particle from center to eccentric positions leading to acorn-like and raspberry-like structure.