Ni2O3–Au+ hybrid active sites on NiOx@Au ensembles for low-temperature gas-phase oxidation of alcohols

Abstract

An interesting ensemble of NiO_x@Au (i.e. 20–30 nm gold particles partially covered with very small NiO_x segments) were clearly identified to be highly active for the low-temperature gas-phase oxidation of alcohols. On such active NiO_x@Au ensembles, large amounts of Ni₂O₃–Au⁺ hybrid active sites were defined, taking a step closer to identifying the low-temperature activity. By their nature, Ni₂O₃ specimens not only promote the formation of Au⁺ ions and stabilize them but also act as an oxygen supplier to transfer oxygen species onto the Au⁺ sites to react with alcohol.