Pd/g-C ₃ N ₄ with d–π interaction between Pd NPs and g-C ₃ N ₄ with a π-conjugated system shows high catalytic activity in the dehydrogenation of FA.

A novel and facile strategy was applied to synthesize Au nanoparticles (Au NPs)-functionalized ZnO microsheet (MS) hybrid-materials. First, the layered 2D porous ZnO MSs were fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method followed by a calcination process, only using zinc acetate dihydrate and urea as the sources. Then the as-prepared ZnO MSs were further functionalized by small Au NPs, assembled by using green, non-toxic lysine as a capping agent. The obtained samples were characterized by means of XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM and EDS. In order to prove the enhanced combining properties of the hybrid materials, gas sensors were fabricated based on them. And the obtained results showed that, after functionalization with Au NPs, the porous ZnO MS hybrid sensor exhibited enhanced sensing performances towards several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including n-butanol, ethanol, methanol, acetone and benzene, indicating its potential application as a gas sensor in detecting VOCs. The enhanced sensing properties are related to the unique structure of porous ZnO MSs and the strong spillover effect of small Au NPs for catalyzing sensing reactions, as well as the increased Schottky barriers caused by the electronic interaction between Au NPs and the ZnO support.

The changing trend of adsorption ability and the catalytic activity of Cu₂O/g-C₃N₄ moved in the same direction.

Incorporating another transition metal into gold-based catalysts has been shown to be beneficial to their catalytic performance. To better understand the origin of this catalytic behavior, Au–Pt alloy catalysts supported on thermally stable TiO₂ nanotubes (TiO₂ SNTs) were prepared, and their structural properties, adsorption of CO, and catalytic activity for CO oxidation were investigated. The alloy structure was confirmed by STEM and UV-vis spectroscopy, and the Au–Pt alloy phase could enhance the metal–support interaction (MSI). The catalytic results and DFT analysis indicated that the Au–Pt/TiO₂ SNTs calcined at 400 °C with an Au/Pt ratio = 5 : 1 had the best CO catalytic performance. Based on the XPS and DRIFT results, the synergetic effects between Au and Pt and the hydroxyl groups of the Au–Pt/TiO₂ SNT catalysts played a vital role in the catalytic activity. The hydroxyls bonded onto the cationic Au can react with CO molecules adsorbed on the surface of Au or Pt NPs to form intermediates COOH. The accompanying density functional theory (DFT) calculation results also reveal the determining role of OH in Au–Pt/TiO₂ SNT catalysts. A possible catalytic mechanism of the Au–Pt/TiO₂ SNT catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity was also proposed.

A highly efficient and recyclable Rh/B-g-C₃N₄ catalyst was firstly applied in hydroformylation of alkenes.