The preparation and characterization of gold(0) nanoclusters stabilized by zeolite framework: Highly active, selective and reusable catalyst in aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Zeolite framework stabilized gold(0) nanoclusters were prepared by the ion-exchange/impregnation of Au3+ ions with zeolite-Y followed by reduction of the Au3+ ions using sodium borohydride in aqueous solution, all at 50 °C. The zeolite framework stabilized gold(0) nanoclusters were isolated as red powder and characterized by HR-TEM, TEM, TEM–EDX, XRD, XPS, DR-UV–vis, SEM, ICP-OES spectroscopic methods and N2-adsorption technique. This new material was found to be highly active, selective and reusable catalyst in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions.