Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application of Gold-Containing Materials

The synthesis of poly(urea-formaldehyde) particles containing gold microparticles has been developed without any post-modification steps and under mild experimental conditions. The morphology, thermal properties and the chemical composition of microparticles were characterized and studied. Gold particles were uniformly located inside the poly(urea-formaldehyde) matrix and experienced a good level of interaction. Micropores were formed in the particle surface which allowed the diffusion of reactante and products. The catalytic activity and behavior of the resulting gold-containing materials was tested in the liquid-phase oxidation of glycerol to glyceric acid.