Half-encapsulated Au nanoparticles by nano iron oxide: promoted performance of the aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol.

Au nanoparticles half-encapsulated in nano iron oxide are prepared and loaded on alumina as a support. The donation of electrons from nano iron oxide to Au nanoparticles is detected and both the properties of gold and iron oxide are adjusted by the donation. The properties are different from the bulk iron oxide supported gold catalysts, in which the iron oxide is little influenced by the electronic interaction between the two components. The catalyst shows noticeably promoted activity for the aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol over Au-Al2O3 and Au-bulk FeOx. The enhanced catalytic behavior may result from the cooperative effect between the Au nanoparticles and nano iron oxide.