Influence of microwave activation on the catalytic behavior of Pd-Au/C catalysts employed in the hydrodechlorination of tetrachloromethane

This work investigates the influence of activation by microwave irradiation on the catalytic properties of Pd-Au/CSibunit catalysts in the hydrodechlorination of CCl4. Pd and Pd-Au samples were thoroughly characterized by CO chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, TPHD and STEM, and used in gas phase hydrodechlorination of tetrachloromethane. The studies showed that homogenous Pd-Au alloys are formed more efficiently if short-time microwave activation is applied instead of conventional activation by H2 reduction at 380 °C. These catalysts show higher activity, stability and higher selectivity towards the desired products (C1–C5 hydrocarbons) than the catalysts activated by conventional reduction in 10%H2/Ar flow.