Application of microwave to the synthesis of nanosized metal and alloy catalysts on titanium dioxide supports

Nanosized Pd and PdAux alloy particles were deposited on various titanium dioxides (TiO2; anatase + rutile, anatase, and rutile) using a simple and unique microwave-assisted method. The structure of the obtained samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) methods. Results of XAFS indicated that PdAux alloy particles had formed on TiO2 supports. Catalytic activity was estimated by a direct synthesis reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from hydrogen and oxygen gases at room temperature. A high reaction rate could be obtained using these PdAux alloy catalysts compared with conventional Pd catalysts.