Activity and Selectivity in Nitroarene Hydrogenation over Au Nanoparticles on the Edge/Corner of Anatase

Highly selective hydrogenation of molecules containing more than one reducible group is always challenging. Here we report an efficient strategy for rational preparation of highly selective gold-based catalysts in the hydrogenation of substituted nitroarenes by positioning gold nanoparticles on the edge/corner sites of anatase. Mechanistic studies reveal that the catalyst with gold nanoparticles on the edge/corner sites of anatase could form unique sites for selective adsorption and activation of nitro groups, thus leading to high activity and selectivity. This strategy for preparation of supported gold catalysts opens a new door for the design of highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts in the future.