Au Nanoparticles Supported on a Layered Double Hydroxide with Excellent Catalytic Properties for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

Au nanoparticles supported on Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (Au/LDH) were successfully prepared by ion-exchange and reduction. XRD patterns and TEM images indicate that the Au nanoparticles are highly dispersed on the LDH support, and that the layered structure remains intact during the preparation process. Interestingly, Au/LDH shows high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols under mild conditions. For example, the conversion of 1-phenylethanol and selectivity for acetophenone was nearly 100% using molecular oxygen as an oxidant under atmospheric pressure at room temperature. The Au/LDH composite exhibits high catalytic stability during these reactions, and therefore, it has great potential for industrial application.