The Role of F-Centers in Catalysis by Au Supported on MgO

Abstract

A correlation is found between the activity of Au clusters for the catalytic oxidation of CO and the concentration of F-centers in the surface of a MgO support. These results are consistent with recent theoretical results showing that F-centers in MgO serve to anchor Au clusters and control their charge state by partial transfer of charge from the substrate F-center to the Au cluster.