Physical mixing of metal acetates: a simple, scalable method to produce active chloride free bimetallic catalysts

We have prepared supported gold, palladium and gold–palladium bimetallic catalysts by the physical mixing of the acetate salts of the metals followed by a simple heat treatment. The use of the acetates as the metal precursor eliminates chloride from the catalyst preparation step. Extensive characterisation shows the formation of bimetallic alloy particles. These catalysts are extremely active for alcohol oxidations and the direct formation of hydrogen peroxide.