The comparison between simulation and experimental PL data confirms surface-assisted intraband recombination as the origin of the observed emission from AuNF films. On the other hand, the PLE spectrum unambiguously establishes that only interband absorption contributes to the PL. Therefore, we can safely exclude the possibility that the observed emission is caused by a pure inter-or intraband process. Consequently, energy must be transferred from the d -band to the conduction band in a nonradiative process. Given that Auger scattering was identified as the main nonradiative recombination process for d -band holes in gold, we consider it to be the most probable mechanism that could cause such an energy transfer. As disorder and confinement are known to enhance Auger scattering, we speculate that the irregular surface is responsible for the pronounced Auger scattering and the suppression of radiative interband recombination in AuNFs.