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Thoughts on the use of gold-based catalysts in environmental protection catalysis

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Abstract

Gold catalysts can exhibit a very high low-temperature activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide and can be selective in the presence of hydrogen. This paper aims to discuss the prospects for gold-based catalysts to operate in autocatalyst exhaust treatment systems by reviewing very recent results which suggest that the long-sought-after high thermal stabilization of nanogold particles may be within reach. It discusses the CO oxidation reaction at high temperature together with reflections on hydrocarbon total oxidation and the reduction of nitric oxide by carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The practical means to achieve high-temperature stability are discussed together with options for enhancing the catalytic activity of gold, based on the extensive amount of work which has now been recorded for low-temperature operations. The potential for thrifting gold is also discussed together with a rough assessment of economic factors which appear to make gold a more attractive metal for this application than the established platinum group elements.

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Acknowledgements

The author is very grateful to several colleagues and collaborators from academia and industry who first aroused his interest in autocatalysts and also gold catalysis and who, in various ways, have helped maintain and even help grow that interest over several years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, Johannesburg, 1710, South Africa

    Mike S. Scurrell

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  1. Mike S. Scurrell
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Correspondence to Mike S. Scurrell.

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Scurrell, M.S. Thoughts on the use of gold-based catalysts in environmental protection catalysis. Gold Bull 50, 77–84 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13404-017-0194-z

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