Single Gold Atoms in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Selective 1,3-Butadiene Hydrogenation over Au/ZrO_2

摘要

Oxide-supported metal systems are perhaps the most common heterogeneous catalysts, in which metal particles are long believed to be responsible for the catalytic activity.[1] This general concept is, however, challenged by recent studies, particularly on Au-based catalysts.[2]-[6] It was reported that single Au atoms/cations supported on certain oxides can catalyze reactions such as CO oxidation,[3] the water gas shift reaction (CO+H_2O),[4] and hydrogenation.[5], [6] These findings imply the cost of noble-metal catalysts may be decreased dramatically and homogeneous catalysis may be mimicked in a heterogeneous environment if metal cations are highly dispersed on oxides.