High-temperature reduction improves the activity of rutile TiO2 nanowires-supported gold-copper bimetallic nanoparticles for cellobiose to gluconic acid conversion

- Au-Cu/TiO2 is effective in the one-pot conversion of cellobiose to gluconic acid.
- Pre-reduction at temperature above 500 °C affords high catalytic activity.
- High-temperature reduction also affords high selectivity toward gluconic acid.
- The synergy between Au, Cu and partially reduced titania support is responsible.