Surface and catalytic properties of Ce-, Zr-, Au-, Cu-modified SBA-15

- Cerium oxides are preferentially located in the bulk of SBA-15, whereas Zr species on its surface.
- Au and Cu on supports strongly interact resulting in the electron transfer from Cu+ to metallic Au.
- Redox properties are enhanced by Au-Cu interaction and the presence of cerium oxides.
- Zr species is responsible for BAS and directs the oxidation of methanol to dimethyl ether.
- Cu enhances the selectivity to methyl formate; Au and Ce favour total oxidation of methanol.