Quantifying Interface-Dependent\nActive Sites Induced\nby Strong Metal–Support Interactions on Au/TiO<sub>2</sub> in\n2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan Oxidation

Strong metal–support\ninteractions (SMSI) typically\ninduce\nthe migration of a coverage layer to the metal surface accompanied\nby electron transfer, forming a unique metal–support interface.\nThis dual modification in geometric and electronic structures reconstructs\nthe active surface, adjusting the activity and stability of the catalyst.\nHowever, identifying and quantifying such newly formed interfacial\nsites remains a challenge. Herein, by varying the reduction temperature\nto control the TiO<sub>2–<i>x</i></sub> coverage\non Au nanoparticles, the catalytic activity of Au/TiO<sub>2</sub> in\n2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) oxidation shows a volcano-shaped\ntrend. Combined thiol titration and poisoning kinetics analysis to\nquantify the ratio of interfacial to surface sites and normalize it\nto intrinsic activity, revealing that Au-TiO<sub>2–<i>x</i></sub> interfacial sites positively contribute to catalytic\nperformance. This study offers valuable insights into the active sites\nin heterogeneous catalytic systems with SMSI effects.