Au/TiO2 catalysts prepared by photo-deposition method for selective CO oxidation in H2 stream

A series of Au/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by photo-deposition (PD) method. Various preparation parameters, such as pH value, power of UV light and irradiation time on the characteristics of the catalysts were investigated. The catalysts were characterized by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The preferential oxidation of CO in H2 stream (PROX) on these catalysts was carried out in a fixed-bed micro reactor with a feed of CO: O2: H2: He = 1: 1: 49: 49 (volume ratios) and a space velocity of 30,000 ml/g h. Limited amount of O2 was used to investigate the selectivity of O2 reacting with CO or H2. Au/TiO2 catalysts prepared by PD method showed narrow particle size distribution of gold particles within few nanometers and were found to be ∼1.5 nm. The particle size of gold nanoparticles deposited on the support depends on irradiation time, UV light source and pH value of preparation. The electronic structure of Au was a function of particle size. The smaller the Au particle size was, the higher the concentration of Au cation was. Using weak power of UV light, appropriate irradiation time and suitable pH value, very fine gold particles on the support could be obtained even in the powder form. The samples prepared with PD method did not need heat treatment to reduce Au cation, UV irradiation could reduce it. Therefore it is easier to have smaller particle size. Au/TiO2 catalysts prepared by PD method were very active and selective in PROX reaction. In long time test, the catalysts were stable at 80 °C for more than 60 h.