Publication Date:
2015-12-12
Description:
In this article, we summarize key recent findings that demonstrate that single-site atomic gold, stabilized through –O bonds on various metal oxide supports are the unique catalytic sites for a variety of reactions, including the water-gas shift reaction, methanol partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions, and the selective dehydrogenation of ethanol. Atomic dispersion of gold on various metal oxides was followed with ac-HAADF-STEM imaging and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS). Gold nanoparticles and sub-nanometer clusters are active only through their interfacial atoms directly interacting with the support, hence if present, they entail precious metal waste. From a design perspective, the important feature in these supported catalysts is the creation of many single-site gold species anchored on the oxide support to maximize activity. Atomic gold-centered catalyst designs afford 100% atom efficiency, and more importantly, have distinct product selectivity, different from that of extended metal surfaces. Novel experimental synthesis methods of atomically dispersed Au catalysts are discussed, which pave the way for the efficient use of precious metals, broadening the application of properly designed gold and other precious metals (Pt, Pd) to different reactions in energy conversion and green chemicals production. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Print ISSN:
0001-1541
Electronic ISSN:
1547-5905
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
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