Gas phase selective propylene epoxidation over La2O3-supported cubic silver nanoparticles

It is shown that the Ag nanocube/La₂O₃ interface catalyses gas phase oxidation of propylene to propylene oxide cooperatively with enhanced selectivity and conversion. Dioxygen is preferentially activated and dissociated by La₂O₃(001) and the active atomic oxygen over the Ag(100) facet leads to selective propylene epoxidation.