Efficient elimination of trace ethylene over nano-gold catalyst under ambient conditions

Nano-Au/Co3O4 catalyst with high gold loading was found to be a good catalytic material for the elimination of trace ethylene (ppb) at ambient conditions. The gold nanoparticles dispersed on the support nano-Co3O4 surface contribute to this high activity at room temperature. The relatively rapid deactivation trend was observed under high concentrations of ethylene (1000 ppm), because coke deposits were present on the catalyst surface during the reaction process. This type of nano-gold catalytic material shows great potential as a meaningfully environmental catalyst, particularly for indoor environmental control of trace ethylene (ppb) and keeping fruits fresh during warehouse storage.