Catalytic removal of formaldehyde at room temperature over supported gold catalysts

► This paper firstly reported complete oxidation HCHO into CO2 and H2O over Au/CeO2(DPU) catalyst at room temperature. ► Au/CeO2(DPU) catalyst shows 100% conversion of HCHO even in the presence of water and at high GHSV (143,000 h−1). ► Charge transfer weakened the CeO bond and facilitated the generation of comparatively more active surface oxygen species. ► Consumption of the formate intermediates is the rate limiting step for catalytic oxidation of HCHO over Au/CeO2 catalysts.