Superior catalytic properties in aerobic oxidation of alcohols over Au nanoparticles supported on layered double hydroxide

Extremely small-size Au nanoparticles mainly distributed at 1–5 nm were successfully prepared on layered double hydroxide by ion-exchange and reduction procedures (Au/LDH). This catalyst showed superior catalytic properties in aerobic oxidation of a wide range of secondary and primary alcohols under very mild conditions (e.g. 1 atm pressure of oxygen and even at room temperature). In addition, this catalyst is stable and recyclable during oxidations. These advantages are reasonably attributed to the interaction between Au sites and basic LDH.

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► Au nanoparticles with sizes distributed at 1–5 nm are prepared on layered double hydroxide (Au/LDH).
► Au/LDH catalyst has superior catalytic activities in aerobic oxidation of alcohols.
► Au/LDH catalyst has good stability and recyclability.
► There is an interaction between Au nanoparticles and LDH support.