Selective oxidation using Au-Pd catalysts: role of the support in the stabilization of colloidal Au-Pd NPs

•Properties and morphology of the support play a significant role in the final Au-Pd particle size.•Nanostructured ceria is most effective in stabilizing Au-Pd colloidal NPs.•Au-Pd particle size and Ce3+ in ceria are correlated with activity.•Au-Pd supported on ceria displays higher selectivity to benzaldehyde.