Gold nanoparticles supported on ceria-modified mesoporous–macroporous binary metal oxides as highly active catalysts for low-temperature water–gas shift reaction

New gold catalytic system prepared on ceria-modified meso-/macroporous binary metal oxide support (CeO₂/TiO₂–ZrO₂) and used as water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) catalyst is reported. The support was prepared through the surfactant templating technique combining with the use of mixed alkoxide solutions. Ceria-modifying additive and gold were deposited consecutively on the meso-/macroporous TiO₂–ZrO₂ by deposition-precipitation method. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption analysis, and temperature-programmed reduction. The catalytic activity of the new gold-based catalysts was evaluated in WGSR and it was compared with that of gold catalysts supported on simple and binary mesoporous oxides (TiO₂, ZrO₂, and TiO₂–ZrO₂) and ceria-modified mesoporous titania support (CeO₂/mTiO₂). A high degree of synergistic interaction between ceria and support and a positive modification of structural and catalytic properties have been achieved. The new gold catalytic system is found to be a promising catalyst for practical WGSR application.