The preparation and characterization of gold(0) nanoclusters stabilized by zeolite framework: Highly active, selective and reusable catalyst in aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Zeolite framework stabilized gold(0) nanoclusters were prepared by the ion-exchange/impregnation of Au3+ ions with zeolite-Y followed by reduction of the Au3+ ions using sodium borohydride in aqueous solution, all at 50 °C. The zeolite framework stabilized gold(0) nanoclusters were isolated as red powder and characterized by HR-TEM, TEM, TEM–EDX, XRD, XPS, DR-UV–vis, SEM, ICP-OES spectroscopic methods and N2-adsorption technique. This new material was found to be highly active, selective and reusable catalyst in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions.

Graphical abstractThe gold(0) nanoclusters stabilized by zeolite framework were simply prepared by the sodium borohydride reduction of gold(III)-exchanged zeolite samples at 50 °C in water. They exhibit high catalytic activity, selectivity and reusability in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide