Exploring the Effect of Sn Addition to Supported Au Nanoparticles on Reducible/Non-Reducible Metal Oxides Supports for Alkane Oxidation

Acetone-stabilized Au- and Sn-solvated metal atoms (SMAs) were used as to obtain Au- and AuSn-supported catalysts by simple impregnation on a reducible (TiO2) and a non-reducible (Al2O3) metal-oxide. Their catalytic behaviour was investigated for cyclohexane oxidation to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA oil), and their morphological and physical properties were studied by TEM, STEM-EDS and Sn-119-Mossbauer spectroscopy. The catalytic results firstly demonstrated that the bare supports played a role on the reaction mechanism, slowing down the formation of the oxidation products and directing the radical formation. Hereinafter, the comparison between the monometallic Au-supported catalysts and the corresponding bimetallic Au-Sn catalysts allowed for the understanding of the potential role of Sn. Sn-119-Mossbauer characterization analyses showed the presence of SnO2, which was recognized to favour the electrons' exchange to form radicals, interacting with oxygen. Such interaction, in particular, could be favoured by the co-presence of Au. Moreover, the same metal composition on the catalyst surface resulted in a different catalytic behaviour depending on the support.