Au, @ZrO2 yolk–shell catalysts for CO oxidation: Study of particle size effect by ex-post size control of Au cores

Gold nanoparticles supported on transition metal oxides are found to exhibit a pronounced particle size effect in CO oxidation. However, the preparation of comparable supported gold nanoparticles with different sizes remains challenging, since the catalytic behavior of these materials is very sensitive to the preparation conditions. To overcome this difficulty, Au, @ZrO2 catalysts with gold core sizes between 5 and 15 nm were prepared by partial leaching of gold in an ex-post manner. The material obtained offers a unique comparability for particle size effect studies in CO oxidation. No effect of gold particle size was observed in the studied size range.

Graphical abstractThe particle size effect in gold-catalyzed CO oxidation was studied using Au, @ZrO2 yolk–shell catalysts. The gold particle size was adjusted in an ex-post manner by partial leaching the gold cores using NaCN. This method gives catalytic materials with unique comparability. In the gold particle size range between 5 and 15 nm, no effect was found.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (66 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Preparation of Au, @ZrO2 yolk–shell catalysts. ► Adjustment of gold core size between 5 and 15 nm by ex-post leaching with NaCN. ► Investigation of particle size effect in CO oxidation. ► No particle size effect found for gold particle sizes between 5 and 15 nm.