Structure dynamics of heterogeneous catalysts based on nanocrystalline gold in oxidation-reduction ( REDOX ) reactions

The main scope of this research was to study the dynamic structure changes of the surface of heterogeneous catalysts containing supported nanocrystalline gold as their active component. Two model reactions were selected: stoichiometric oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) by the molecular oxygen (O2) (abbrev. sCOOX) and preferential oxidation of CO in the presence of H2 (abbrev. PROX). Gold catalysts themselves are promising materials e.g. in the fuel cell industry for purification of hydrogen stream from CO, which contaminates the components of cells and decreases their efficiency.