Gold-catalysed oxidation of carbon monoxide

Of the many important reactions that are known to be catalysed by gold particles supported on transition metal oxides, the oxidation of carbon monoxide is of outstanding significance: the current state of understanding of its mechanism is reviewed, and discordant observations reported in the literature are noted and analysed. A general mechanism involving reaction at the edge of a particle containing both gold atoms and ions, and involving the support, is suggested, although not all features of it are necessarily always operative. Possible practical uses for gold in catalysing this reaction include pollution control, fuel cells, and gas sensing.