Direct production of hydrogen peroxide over bimetallic CoPd catalysts: Investigation of the effect of Co addition and calcination temperature

A series of CoPd/KIT-6 bimetallic catalysts with various Co:Pd molar ratios at different calcination temperatures were prepared and used for the direct synthesis of H2O2 from H2 and O2. These catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption, low and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) methods. It was found that the particle size, electronic interactions, morphology, and textural properties of these catalysts as well as their catalytic activity in the reaction of H2 with O2 were affected by Co addition and different calcination temperatures. Also, the results showed that while the H2O2 selectivity depends on Pd2+ species, the H2 conversion is related to Pd0 active sites. Among these catalysts, CoPd/KIT-6 calcined at 350 °C (CoPd/KIT-350 catalyst) showed the best catalytic activity with 50% of H2O2 selectivity and 51% conversion of H2. [Display omitted] •CoPd/KIT-6 catalysts were prepared and used for the direct synthesis of H2O2.•Co addition and calcination temperature affected the activity of the catalysts.•The highest yield of H2O2 was obtained in the presence of CoPd/KIT-350 catalyst.•H2 conversion and H2O2 selectivity were influenced by the oxidation state of Pd.