Gold Nanoclusters: A Powerful Catalyst for CO Oxidation Revealed
Gold nanoclusters—clusters of gold atoms at the nanometer scale—have emerged as versatile catalysts for a range of oxidation, esterification, and epoxidation reactions.
While the extraordinary reactivity of gold has been documented, the underlying mechanism remained elusive—until recent work demonstrated a remarkable cooperative effect between carbon monoxide (CO) and gold nanoclusters in the oxidation of CO to CO₂.
In a combined experimental‑computational study by researchers at the University of Nebraska and Xiangtan University, the team uncovered a self‑oxidation mechanism. When CO adsorbs onto specific triangular Au₃ sites on a gold nanocluster, it activates neighboring O₂ molecules, enabling rapid O–O bond cleavage in an adjacent OCOO intermediate.
Consequently, the CO bound to Au₃ accelerates the formation of two CO₂ molecules, turning the nanocluster into a highly efficient CO oxidation catalyst.
These findings not only clarify gold’s catalytic prowess but also open avenues for designing metal‑based catalysts that harness gaseous co‑reactants for enhanced performance.
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