Silica-supported ultra small gold nanoparticles as nanoreactors for the etherification of silanes

Abstract

Ultra small gold nanoparticles supported by porous silica (Au–SiO₂) were successfully synthesized. Due to enrichment of reactants by silica, the Au–SiO₂ particles functioned as nanoreactors for catalytic etherification of silanes with high selectivity and reusability. The reaction kinetics indicated that the catalysis operated by a zero order reaction mechanism, which is contrary to previously reported homogeneous catalysts, as well as Au–Al₂O₃ and Au–FeO_x prepared by the same method. The mechanism of the reaction was described by the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, with the rate determining step being the surface reaction on the gold nanoparticles.