Au on nanosized NiO: a cooperative effect between Au and nano NiO in the base-free alcohol oxidation

Nanosized NiO has been synthesized and used as a support for polyvinyl alcohol-protected Au nanoparticles. This catalytic system exhibits an extraordinary performance in the base-free liquid phase oxidation of alcohols compared to the same Au supported on a commercial, micrometersized NiO. This enhancement in activity cannot be solely attributed to the improved basic properties of the support. A cooperative effect between Au nanoparticles and nanosized NiO is envisaged.