Catalytic oxidation of benzene, toluene and p-xylene over colloidal gold supported on zinc oxide catalyst

Au was loaded (1.5 wt.%) on the supports (ZnO, Al2O3 and MgO) by a colloidal deposition method. For a range of low temperatures (50–300 °C), the catalytic activity of Au/ZnO was much greater than that of Au/Al2O3 and Au/MgO. In particular, for the Au/ZnO, the benzene conversion exceeded 80% at 150 °C. The results of catalyst characterization suggested that the high catalytic activity of the Au/ZnO might be attributed to the effects of strong metal–oxide interaction which is possibly originated from the small lattice parameter difference between Au {111} and ZnO {101} lattice planes.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Colloidal gold supported catalyst was prepared and tested for BTX oxidation at low temperatures.
► Au/ZnO shows higher activity as compared with Au/ Al2O3 and Au/MgO.
► Au/ZnO shows a conversion of above 80% for benzene oxidation at 150 °C comparable to that of Au/CeO2 modificated by MoOx or VOx.
► The high activity of Au/ZnO could be attributed to strong metal–oxide interaction between Au and ZnO which is possibly originated from the small lattice parameter difference between Au {111} and ZnO {101}.