The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H2 and O2 using Pd–Ni/TiO2 catalysts. (24th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crole, David A.; Underhill, Ricci; Edwards, Jennifer K.; Shaw, Greg; Freakley, Simon J.; Hutchings, Graham J.; Lewis, Richard J.
• Is Part Of: Philosophical transactions. Volume 378:Number 2176(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-24
• Subjects: hydrogen peroxide -- palladium -- nickel -- nanoparticles -- green chemistry; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-503X

Abstract

Abstract : The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) 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 H2 O2 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 H2 O2 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 H2 O2 degradation reactions showing that this Pd–Ni catalyst has the potential to produce H2 O2 selectively. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.