The authors present a synthetic approach for the functionalization of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The goal is to achieve photoinduced Au3+ reduction under interband excitation, resulting in the transformation of AuNRs into large and isotropic nanoparticles. In addition, the authors demonstrate that PVP ligands, instead of hole scavengers, facilitate electron-hole separation upon interband excitation, thereby extending the lifetime of the electrons. This phenomenon is supported by single-particle dark-field scattering (DFS) spectroscopy.
The photocatalytic performance of the functionalized AuNRs was evaluated under interband excitation, wherein Au(3+) was reduced to Au(0) using ethanol as the hole scavenger. The contents presented in this paper are both interesting and informative for researchers in related fields. However, there are certain issues with the R&D; aspects that need to be addressed before this work can be considered for publication. Therefore, this work can be published after the following points are addressed.

1) In this sentence, "In contrast, the enhanced growth rate with the interband transition was calculated as 0.99±0.22, indicating no increased photocatalytic of the Au3+ reduction." compared to the previous sentence, "the large and broad distribution of the rate ratio (13.46±6.94) demonstrates an enhanced growth rate of more than one order of magnitude with a significant variation between AuNRs under interband transition.", which one is the exact distribution of the rate ratio under the interband transition?

2) The authors claim that there is no significant growth of AuNRs in the absence of PVP under interband transition. However, to support this statement, it is necessary to provide a histogram of the growth rate ratios as additional evidence. This histogram will serve as further proof of the absence of significant growth in the absence of PVP.

3) The authors already controlled the adsorption of PVP on AuNRs, which can cause an isotropic growth of AuNRs. An illustration of growth induced by the amount of PVP is also included. However, it needs more prove the actual morphology after induced PVP to the AuNRs. In order to gain deeper understanding this changing, the use of SEM or TEM characterization is needed.

4) Is it possible that experimental factors, such as the illumination power or temperature, could have impacted the observed growth rates in AuNRs differently during interband and intraband excitation?

5) Would the findings be applicable to different types of plasmonic nanoparticles with varying shapes or compositions? How could this affect the generalizability of the results?

The revised manuscript was well prepared by considering all suggestions and comments made by reviewers.

This reviewer recommends it for publication as is.