Exploration of the Interaction of RuO2–Au Composite Nanoparticles Formed by One-Step Synthesis within the Mesopores

RuO2–Au composite nanoparticles (RuO2–Au CNPs) are synthesized via a simple calcination of RuNPs and AuNPs encapsulated within extra-large mesocages of mesoporous silica (EP-FDU-12). Both the Ru/Au ratio (0.02:0.2) and the nanostructure of the mesoporous supports are critical for its successful formation. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effects are observed for RuO2 composite because of the interaction between RuO2 and Au of the RuO2–Au CNPs. The nanocontact modifies the electronic and chemical properties of Au and RuO2, respectively, which in turn benefits their catalytic performance with enhanced activities and reduced coking-deposition content in gas-phase cyclohexanol-selective oxidation.