Gold nano particles have wide application range. One of the main problems of gold nano particles synthesis is producing well dispersed non agglomerated particles?
You'll need to get the Au sheet dissolved - typically aqua regia. The an appropriate reducing agent can be used. This can be anything from citrate to hydrazine hydrate. In my view, avoid borohydride reduction as this contaminates the Au with B. Appropriate stabilizing agents will need to be used. One of the most popular routes is the Turkevich method. Some more information in:
Metal colloids - their preparation, application and characterization
Mohammad Al-Harahsheh Agglomeration is the key in synthesis to all types of nanoparticles, not just for gold, and is one of the main issues that need to be controlled for some applications such as drug delivery.