The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide using platinum promoted gold–palladium catalysts

Abstract

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide represents a potentially greener route for the production of this important commodity chemical. It is imperative that high activity catalysts are identified for this reaction that can operate without the need for non-green halide and acid promoters. Supported Au–Pd nano-alloys can be used without the need for such additives and these materials form the basis of this study. We have found that the addition of Pt to TiO₂-supported Au–Pd nano-alloys increases the activity of the catalysts for the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, when very small amounts of Pt are added, the sequential hydrogenation/decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is suppressed thereby enhancing the selectivity of the process. The catalysts have been analysed by both aberration corrected analytical electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.