Reversible Growth of Gold Nanoparticles in the Low-Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction

Supported gold nanoparticles are among the most active catalysts for the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction, but they deactivate as the nanoparticles grow. Using operando X-ray absorption and in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy, the authors report direct evidence that the deactivation process can be reversed by a facile oxidative treatment. The use of in situ methods reveals the complex dynamics of supported gold nanoparticles under reaction conditions and demonstrates that gold catalysts can be easily regenerated, expanding their scope for practical application.