New catalyst series from the sol-gel-entrapment of gold nanoparticles in organically modified silica matrices: Proof of performance in a model oxidation reaction

Gold nanoparticles were sol-gel-entrapped in the mesoporous structure of organically modified silica matrices, and the resulting SiliaCat Au materials were tested as oxidation catalysts in the model reaction of 1-phenylethanol with hydrogen peroxide. The new materials were characterized by electronic microscopy, IR spectroscopy, and cryogenic N2 sorption. The results point to conclusions of general validity that allow us to advance towards the practical use of supported gold nanoparticles in a number of applications.