Reduced graphene oxide supported Au nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Various Au/C catalysts were prepared by Au nanoparticels supported on different carbonaceous supports including reduced graphene oxide (RGO), activated carbon (AC) and graphite (GC) using sol-immobilization method. Au/RGO shows a much higher activity than Au/AC and Au/GC in the liquid phase aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The superior catalytic performance of Au/RGO may be related to the presence of surface O-containing functional groups and moderate graphite character of RGO supports.