A novel method for preparing core-shell structure of Au@ceria was presented, which is characterized with using photothermal effect from localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) to induce heat, and the heat can trigger the shell formation reactions confined on the surface of the Au nanoparticles (NPs). In short of the preparation procedure, aqueous sol of Au NPs, citric acid, ethylene glycol and cerous nitrate were irradiated with a Xe arc lamp, maintaining the temperature of the sol at 25 degrees C by cooling and stirring the sol. The Au NPs could generate heat from LSPR, and the heat induced polymerization reaction in the sol, resulting in cerium gel formation which enveloped each of the Au NPs, and the gel containing cerium formed only on the surface of the Au NPs. After calcination, Au@ceria was obtained. This method can be extended for preparing various core@shell nanocomposites in which metal cores possess LSPR effect and the shell formation can be induced by heat. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.