Core-shell Au@(TiO2, SiO2) nanoparticles with tunable morphologyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis of the CS nanoparticles. See DOI: 10.1039/c0cc00935k

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. Stöber and sol-gel method for direct control of asymmetric core-shell systems based on metallic core (Au) and metal oxide shell.