Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis: Some catalysts show remarkable high activity - thanks to water

Nanocatalysts made of gold nanoparticles dispersed on metal oxides are very promising for the industrial, selective oxidation of compounds, including alcohols, into valuable chemicals. They show high catalytic activity, particularly in aqueous solution. A team of researchers has been able to explain why: Water molecules play an active role in facilitating the oxygen dissociation needed for the oxidation reaction.