CHAPTER 15: Model Catalysts for Au Catalysis: From Single Crystals to Supported Nanoparticles

This chapter summarized the fundamental understanding of the complex and structure-sensitive gold catalysis achieved by the model catalyst approach. Following a short overview of the core issues and challenges in fundamental gold catalysis, the model catalyst approach is introduced and experimental results from single crystals-based model catalysts are discussed. A novel strategy of model catalysts from single crystals to well-defined powder catalysts for a comprehensive fundamental study of gold catalysis is proposed and the progress achieved on understanding the origin of the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles at low temperatures, the structure-intrinsic activity relation of gold nanoparticles in low-temperature CO oxidation and the gold–oxide interaction is described. The chapter concludes with a short statement of the outlook for the future.