Catalytic surfactant stabilized gold-containing nanoparticles have been recovered by a new isothermal low-energy approach, by controlled and reversible changes in colloid stability based on fine-tuning of solvent quality. Once recovered, the nanoparticles can be re-dispersed in the solvent, or indeed dispersed into a different solvent. The morphology of the nanoparticles is not significantly affected by the recovery process and they can be used and reused as oxidation catalysts. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.