This publication describes the application of the direct anionic exchange method (DAE) in the preparation of gold nanoparticles supported upon different oxide materials. Some of the metal oxides most frequently used in gold catalysis are investigated, i.e., TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2 and Al2O3, as well as some of those less typical such as SiO2 and MgO. All of these supports have been studied comparatively for their acid-base and redox properties. It was found that the method of preparation is successful on a quantitative level for all of the supports, having an isoelectric point between 4 and 7. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy with particle size ranging between 1.9 and 3 nm for each catalyst. All gold catalysts were tested in the CO oxidation reaction and it was concluded that gold catalysts supported on reducible type metal oxides such as CeO2, TiO2 and ZrO2 are generally more active. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.