Strong Metal–Support Interactions Achieved by Hydroxide-to-Oxide Support Transformation for Preparation of Sinter-Resistant Gold Nanoparticle Catalysts

Abstract

The strong metal–support interactions (SMSI) are well-known but crucial for preparation of supported metal nanoparticle catalysts, which generally occur by reduction and oxidation under harsh conditions. Here, we delineate the example of constructing SMSI without reduction and oxidation, where the key is to employ a hydroxide-to-oxide support transformation. The covering of Au nanoparticles by oxides, electronic interaction, and changes in CO adsorption tests of the catalyst are identical to those of the classic SMSI. Owing to the SMSI with oxide barriers on the Au nanoparticles, the supported Au catalysts are sintering-resistant at high temperatures, which benefit long-life reactions, outperforming the conventional supported catalysts.