Size, nanostructure, and composition dependence of bimetallic Au–Pd supported on ceria–zirconia mixed oxide catalysts for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

•High resistance of Au–Pd metal particles supported on ceria–zirconia to sintering.•Migration of Pd onto Au particles during benzyl alcohol oxidation.•Au(Pd)@Pd nanostructures might be responsible for the synergy between Au and Pd.