Influence of reaction conditions on the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide over AuPd/carbon catalysts

Abstract

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide has been studied using a highly active AuPd/C catalyst, where the activated carbon support has been pretreated with dilute HNO₃ prior to metal deposition and consequently using standard reaction conditions this catalyst does not hydrogenate H₂O₂. The effect of reaction variables has been investigated on the synthesis and hydrogenation activity over this catalyst. The effect of H₂/O₂ molar ratio, temperature, total pressure and solvent composition has been studied and optimised conditions identified. The effect of these conditions on the hydrogenation activity was also evaluated; thereby permitting an optimal set of reaction conditions to be identified for both the synthesis of H₂O₂ and its hydrogenation/decomposition.