| Author(s): |
Andrew A. Herzing; Jennifer Edwards; Benjamin Solsona; Edwin Ntainjua; Albert F. Carley; Graham J. Hutchings; Christopher J. Kiely; |
| Title: |
Switching-off Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogenation in the Direct Synthesis Process |
| Published: |
February 20, 2009 |
| Abstract: |
Hydrogen peroxide is an important disinfectant and bleach and is currently manufactured from an indirect process involving sequential hydrogenation/oxidation of anthraquinones. However, a direct process in which hydrogen and oxygen are reacted would be preferable. Unfortunately, catalysts for the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide are also effective for its subsequent decomposition and hydrogenation and this has limited progress. We show that acid pre-treatment of a carbon support for gold-palladium alloy catalysts uniquely switches off the hydrogenation/decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Hence, when used in the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, the acid pre-treated catalysts give high yields of H2O2 with hydrogen selectivities >95%. |
| Citation: |
Science Magazine |
| Volume: |
323 |
| Issue: |
5917 |
| Pages: |
pp. 1037 - 1041 |
| Keywords: |
"hydrogen peroxide synthesis"; "spherical aberration-correction"; "STEM"; "XEDS spectrum imaging ; acid pre-treatment". |
| Research Areas: |
Separation Science |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (242KB) |
