A golden perspective for catalysis

In the present paper we discuss the importance of gold nanoparticles in heterogeneous catalysis and show their different roles as active phases, electronic promoters and poisoning deactivators. In particular, some examples of our recent experience are presented: i) Gold nanoparticles as active sites: the LT-WGSR. In this example gold acts as the active phase, and catalytic performances are strongly related to gold nanosizes. ii) Gold nanoparticles as electronic promoters: the H2O2 direct synthesis. In this example gold nanoparticles are inactive for the reaction, while they are able to increase selectivity since they act as electronic promoters. iii) Gold nanoparticles as poisoning deactivators: the TPA purification. In this example gold nanoparticles are not active for the reaction but have an important role in delaying deactivation by sulphur poisoning.