State of the art of the bi- and trimetallic nanoparticles on the basis of gold and iron.

Recently reported patents and experimental articles on the synthesis, properties, and main applications of core-shell nanoparticles, containing iron or its oxides and gold, as well as trimetallic systems on their basis, are reviewed. These nanostructures were obtained by a series of methods, including reduction in reverse micelles, decomposition of organometallic compounds, electron-beam, laser and gamma-irradiation, sonolysis and electrochemical methods. (Fe or Fe(X)O(y))/Au nanoparticles are subject to be functionalized with organic moieties, may expand their main applications, which consist of catalysis, biological and biomedical uses.