Preparation of Monodisperse Au/TiO₂ Nanocatalysts via Self-Assembly

In this work, we report that presynthesized metallic nanoparticles (such as gold nanoparticles), rather than on-site growing ones that are prepared under thermally or photochemically activated conditions, can be “impregnated” uniformly onto premade oxide supports with organic interconnects which have bifunctional groups. Methodic features of this general technique have been demonstrated using a model metal−oxide system, Au/TiO₂ (TiO₂ in anatase phase) catalyst, in the photodegradation of organic compounds (e.g., methyl orange). On the basis of our investigations with a range of analytical techniques, it has been further found that, if desired, permanent engagement and direct contact between the supported metals and oxide carriers can also be achieved with additional heat treatments. In principle, other oxide-supported metal catalysts can also be fabricated at low temperatures through these types of self-assembling routes.