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Selective electrogenerative oxidation of benzyl alcohol with platinum–graphite packed-bed anodes

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Abstract

The selective electrogenerative oxidation of benzyl alcohol in 1M sulfuric acid solutions was studied on several types of graphite supported platinum packed-bed anodes in a hybrid continuous-flow cell with an oxygen gas diffusion cathode. Benzaldehyde formed preferentially on all three catalytic packed-beds under electrogenerative conditions (Eanode<0.75V) where the platinum catalyst was not irreversibly oxidized. Tin–palladium chloride graphite-pretreatment before platinum deposition through ethanol reduction significantly enhanced catalytic activity. This electrocatalyst provided current densities as high as 77mAcm-2 (superficial packed-bed cross sectional area) with a platinum loading of 0.89wt% Pt on graphite at relative low polarization. The origin of the catalytic activity is discussed and evidence is presented on the roles of tin and palladium. Benzyl alcohol oxidation appears to provide a sensitive probe reaction for demonstrating the existence of special types of catalytic centres.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA

    G. R. DIECKMANN  & S. H. LANGER

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  1. G. R. DIECKMANN
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  2. S. H. LANGER
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DIECKMANN , G.R., LANGER , S.H. Selective electrogenerative oxidation of benzyl alcohol with platinum–graphite packed-bed anodes. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 27, 1–8 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026497229223

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