Catalytically active gold on ordered titania supports.

Almost two decades have passed since supported Au nanoparticles were found to be active for CO oxidation. This discovery inspired extensive research addressing the origin of the unique properties of supported Au nanoparticles, the design and synthesis of potentially technical Au catalysts, and the extension of Au catalysis to other reactions. This tutorial review summarises the current understanding of the origin of the unique properties of titania-supported Au catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation. The key issues of catalysis by nanostructured Au, effects of oxide support and active site/structure, especially those provided from model studies are discussed in detail. The successful synthesis of a highly catalytically active gold bilayer may lead to the design and synthesis of practically active Au nanofilm catalysts.