Formation of nanometer-sized Au particles on USY zeolites under hydrogen atmosphere

Gold was deposited on ultrastable Y (USY) zeolite using a newly developed method: just mixing an aqueous solution of HAuCl4 and zeolite at 353 K in which the NH 4 + cation reacted with the Cl in HAuCl4. Treatment of the Au-loaded USY zeolite in the atmosphere of hydrogen resulted in the formation of Au0 nanoclusters with 1.8 nm diameter at 773 K. The size of Au particle was dependent on the type of zeolite support, composition of gas atmosphere, and temperature of calcination, which was correlated with catalytic performance. This study demonstrated the potential use of zeolites with strong Br nsted acid character as gold supports.