Ultrastable titania-supported Au nanoparticles covered by chromia via photo-induced strategy for low-temperature CO oxidation

Here we report the design and preparation of an ultrastable Au nanocatalyst through a photo-deposition strategy at room temperature, in which Au nanoparticles were covered by an island-like dispersed Cr2O3 overlayer. The latter was induced by the excited electrons in the TiO2 conduction band transferred to the Au nanoparticle. The resulting titania-supported Au catalyst promoted by chromia is resistant to sintering and exhibits excellent activity and stability in the low-temperature CO oxidation reaction and air atmosphere.