Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 July 2011
Based on results taken from our own experience and the general literature, in the present contribution issues related to the importance of the particle size and morphology in gold catalysis are considered. Although in reactions of small molecules like carbon monoxide nanosized or otherwise nanostructured gold surfaces are the most active catalysts, especially if forming interface with certain oxides, it turns out that in some cases - independently of the interface - the key issue is the available size of extended gold surface dictating the reaction rate. This dilemma is explored in the paper.