Preparation and characterization of Au/CeO2–Al2O3 monoliths

Porous CeO2–Al2O3 monoliths with hierarchical pore structure were prepared by mixing boehmite particles with solutions containing different amounts of cerium chloride and aluminum nitrate. The monoliths were functionalized with gold nanoparticles using the incipient wetness method. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption, mercury porosimetry, UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The catalysts were tested in liquid phase glucose oxidation, comparing continuously stirred batch reactor and continuous-flow fix-bed reactor setups.

► A facile method for preparing Au/CeO2–Al2O3 monoliths with hierarchical porosity.
► Continuous-flow testing of the monoliths in liquid-phase oxidation of glucose.
► Increased catalytic activity in the presence of cerium oxide (stirred-batch tests).