Selective catalytic oxidation using supported gold–platinum and palladium–platinum nanoalloys prepared by sol-immobilisation

Abstract

Supported nano-alloys have been prepared using the sol-immobilisation method for two bimetallic combinations, namely gold–platinum and palladium–platinum, using activated carbon and titania as supports. Some of the materials were prepared using a method where both metals are simultaneously reduced, thereby leading to homogeneous alloys being formed. In addition, sequential reduction of the metal combinations has also been investigated to facilitate the formation of core–shell structures. The materials have been characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. The supported nanoparticles have been tested for a two selective oxidation reactions, namely the oxidation of toluene and benzyl alcohol using tertiary butyl hydroperoxide at 80 °C, in order to elucidate any potential structure–activity relationships.