Gold-nanotube membranes for the oxidation of CO at gas-water interfaces

Abstract

Membranes of gold nanotubes in polycarbonate films are used to study catalytic reactions at gas-liquid interfaces. The catalytic properties of gold for CO oxidation with O2 can be enhanced by liquid water and promoted by increasing the pH value of the solution. The membrane is sandwiched between other membranes that contain thiol-functionalized gold nanotubes, which control mass transport to the central reaction zone (see picture).