The most effective metal catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to aldehydes and ketones is generally considered to be gold Au supported on metal oxide catalysts, such as titanium dioxide TiO2 , iron oxide Fe2O3 , or cerium oxide CeO2 . Other transition metals, such as palladium Pd and platinum Pt , can also be used as catalysts for this reaction, but gold has been found to exhibit superior selectivity and efficiency.The surface structure and composition of the metal catalyst play a crucial role in determining the selectivity and efficiency of the oxidation reaction. Several factors contribute to this:1. Particle size: Smaller metal nanoparticles have a higher surface area, which provides more active sites for the reaction to occur. This can lead to higher selectivity and efficiency. Gold nanoparticles, in particular, have been found to exhibit high catalytic activity for the oxidation of hydrocarbons.2. Metal-support interaction: The interaction between the metal catalyst and the support material can significantly influence the catalytic properties. For example, gold nanoparticles supported on reducible metal oxides, such as TiO2 or CeO2, exhibit higher activity and selectivity compared to those supported on non-reducible oxides. This is because the reducible metal oxides can facilitate the activation of molecular oxygen, which is a key step in the oxidation process.3. Surface defects and vacancies: The presence of defects and vacancies on the surface of the metal catalyst can also affect the catalytic properties. These defects can act as active sites for the adsorption and activation of reactants, leading to higher selectivity and efficiency. For example, gold nanoparticles supported on CeO2 with a high concentration of surface oxygen vacancies have been found to exhibit enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of hydrocarbons.4. Electronic properties: The electronic properties of the metal catalyst, such as the work function and the d-band center, can influence the adsorption and activation of reactants on the catalyst surface. For example, gold has a higher work function compared to other transition metals, which can lead to stronger adsorption of oxygen and more efficient activation of molecular oxygen.In summary, the most effective metal catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to aldehydes and ketones is gold, particularly when supported on reducible metal oxides. The surface structure and composition of the metal catalyst, including factors such as particle size, metal-support interaction, surface defects, and electronic properties, play a crucial role in determining the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction.