Au@TiO2 nanocomposites synthesized by X-ray radiolysis as potential radiosensitizers

•Au nanoparticles supported on TiO2 were produced by X-ray radiolytic synthesis.•Effects of X-ray dose and ligands to the size of Au NPs are systemically studied.•Au@TiO2 by radiolysis showed better loading & monodispersity than chemical routes.•Au NPs of ∼1.1nm were supported on two sizes of TiO2 supports.•Au@TiO2 nanocomposites showed superior radiosensitization over TiO2..