Pd and Pt catalysts modified by alloying with Au in the selective oxidation of alcohols

The use of gold on promoting PGM (platinum group metal) catalysts for the selective oxidation of various primary alcohols under mild conditions was investigated. Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts showing a single alloyed phase were prepared. It was found that using these bimetallic catalysts instead of monometallic ones caused a significant change in activity in the liquid-phase oxidation of alcohols. Au/Pd catalyst showed a positive synergistic effect; Au/Pt, a negative one. By using aqueous solvent instead of organic solvent (toluene), activity was enhanced for both Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts, with some changes in selectivity as well.