The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H2 and O2 using Pd-Ni/TiO2 catalysts

David A. Crole, Ricci Underhill, Jennifer K. Edwards, Greg Shaw, Simon J. Freakley, Graham J. Hutchings, Richard J. Lewis

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9 Citations (SciVal)
24 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from molecular H2 and O2 offers an attractive, decentralized alternative to production compared to the current means of production, the anthraquinone process. Herein we evaluate the performance of a 0.5%Pd-4.5%Ni/TiO2 catalyst in batch and flow reactor systems using water as a solvent at ambient temperature. These reaction conditions are considered challenging for the synthesis of high H2O2 concentrations, with the use of sub-ambient temperatures and alcohol co-solvents typical. Catalytic activity was observed to be stable to prolonged use in multiple batch experiments or in a flow system, with selectivities towards H2O2 of 97% and 85%, respectively. This study was carried out in the absence of halide or acid additives that are typically used to inhibit sequential H2O2 degradation reactions showing that this Pd-Ni catalyst has the potential to produce H2O2 selectively. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20200062
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalPhilosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Volume378
Issue number2176
Early online date6 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jul 2020

Keywords

  • green chemistry
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • nanoparticles
  • nickel
  • palladium

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mathematics(all)
  • Engineering(all)
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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