Catalysis of gold nanoparticles deposited on metal oxides

Gold in bulk is chemically inert and has often been regarded to be poorly active as a catalyst. However, when gold is small enough-with particle diameters below 10 nm-it turns out to be surprisingly active for many reactions, such as CO oxidation and propylene epoxidation. This is especially so at low temperatures. Here, a summary of the catalysis of Au nanoparticles deposited on base metal oxides is presented. The catalytic performance of Au is defined by three major factors: contact structure, support selection, and particle size, the first of which being the most important because the perimeter interfaces around Au particles act as the site for reaction.