Synthesis of gold nanoparticles containing mesoporous silica by using gelatin as template: CO oxidation reaction

With a well control on the synthetic condition, gold nanoparticles@mesoporous silica of high surface area, large pore size and high Au nanoparticles content was conveniently prepared by using the nature polymer gelatin with lots amide groups (-CO-NH2) as organic template of mesoporous silica and protecting agent for Au nanoparticles. In addition, Ag and Ag-Au alloy nanoparticles@mesoporous silicas were synthesized by this method as well. The metal nanoparticles@mesoporous silica, where the nanoparticles are accessible to the environment, can be used as superior catalyst toward CO oxidation reaction, especially at high temperature.