Gold as a modifier of metal nanoparticles: effect on structure and catalysis.

Bimetallic gold based catalysts have been prepared using a sol immobilisation technique. Despite a very similar metal dispersion, different structures are revealed depending on the second metal, with alloyed systems being preferred in the case of Pd, Pt and Cu, and core-shell in the case of Ru. A positive synergistic effect between the metals has been revealed only in the cases of Pd and Cu in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. AuPd/C has been also studied in the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde where the bimetallic catalyst revealed a different selectivity compared to the monometallic counterpart.