Promoting H2O2 direct synthesis through Fe incorporation into AuPd catalysts

In recent years growing interest has been placed on the role of dopant concentrations of tertiary precious and base metals in modifying the performance of supported AuPd nanoalloys towards the direct synthesis of H ₂O ₂. Within this contribution, we expand on these earlier studies, with a focus on Fe-containing systems. Through rational catalyst design, an optimal 0.5%Au-0.5%Pd-0.02%Fe/TiO ₂ formulation has been developed, which not only outperforms the parent bimetallic analogue but also offers increased reactivity compared to alternative trimetallic formulations previously reported, including those which incorporate Pt. Such observations may be surprising given the propensity for Fe to decompose H ₂O ₂via Fenton pathways. However, detailed analysis by CO-DRFITS and XPS reveals that the enhanced activity can be attributed to the electronic modification of Pd and the formation of domains of mixed Pd ²⁺/Pd ⁰ oxidation state, upon Fe introduction.