The Metal-Based Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation of Anthraquinone to Produce Hydrogen Peroxide

Selective hydrogenation of anthraquinone is critical in producing H₂O₂, the strong oxidant widely used in most industrial areas. More efforts were made on the selective hydrogenation of C=O in the anthraquinone process because the sides-product will negatively affect continuous H₂O₂ production and significantly reduce the project economics. A crucial step toward high H₂O₂ yield is the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts. In this review, the metal-based catalyst design for the selective anthraquinone hydrogenation is cataloged into two significant strategies: active metal regulation and support property regulation. Research accomplished in the past decade on the catalyst design for selective anthraquinone hydrogenation is systematically reviewed. The focus is on the catalytic performance-enhancing mechanism and the factors that influence the mechanism. In addition, the limitations and barriers encountered for supported catalysts in the current study, as well as potential research trends, are discussed.