Search for reactive intermediates in catalytic oxidation with hydrogen peroxide over amorphous niobium(V) and tantalum(V) oxides

- Nb2O5 + H2O2 leads to superoxo, peroxo, and hydroxyl reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- H2O2 + HO2− = 
- OH + O2−
-  + H2O equilibrium plays a crucial role in ROS formation.
- Amorphous Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 trap O2−
- and O22−shifting the equilibrium to
- OH.
- ROS nature is controlled by pH of the reaction medium in relation to IEP of catalysts.
-
- OH are the most active in oxidation of glycerol and cyclohexene on Nb2O5 and Ta2O5.