Correlation of catalytic activity with the morphology change of supported Au nanoparticles in gas

Environmental transmission electron microscopy analysis is performed on gold nanoparticulate catalysts with different supports and activities (Au/CeO2, Au/SiO2 and Au/TiC) in pure O2 and CO/air. Examining the morphology of individual Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) numerically followed by statistical treatments, it is suggested that the number ratio of morphology-changeable AuNPs in gases correlated with the catalytic activity. Even in a less active sample of Au/SiO2, the fraction of morphology-changeable AuNPs is not negligible. With the results, we discuss the correlation of catalytic activity with the supports. The present research stimulates further studies on the formation process of perimeter interfaces of individual AuNPs. [Display omitted] •ETEM analysis is performed on gold catalysts with different supports and activities.•Individual Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are observed in pure O2 and CO/air.•The morphology of AuNPs is examined numerically with statistical treatments.•The number ratio of morphology-changeable AuNPs correlates with the activity.