In
this review, we discuss selected examples from recent literature
on the role of the support on directing the nanostructures of Au-based
monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles. The role of support is
then discussed in relation to the catalytic properties of Au-based
monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles using different gas phase
and liquid phase reactions. The reactions discussed include CO oxidation,
aerobic oxidation of monohydric and polyhydric alcohols, selective
hydrogenation of alkynes, hydrogenation of nitroaromatics, CO2 hydrogenation, C–C coupling, and methane oxidation.
Only studies where the role of support has been explicitly studied
in detail have been selected for discussion. However, the role of
support is also examined using examples of reactions involving unsupported
metal nanoparticles (i.e., colloidal nanoparticles). It is clear that
the support functionality can play a crucial role in tuning the catalytic
activity that is observed and that advanced theory and characterization
add greatly to our understanding of these fascinating catalysts.