Chemo-enzymatic phenol polymerisation via in-situ H2O2 synthesis

Within this contribution, the combination of supported AuPd nanoalloys with horseradish peroxidase is demonstrated to offer high efficacy towards the one-pot oxidative polymerisation of the model wastewater contaminant phenol, via the chemo-catalytic supply of in-situ generated H 2 O 2 . Notably, the utilisation of AuPd alloyed formulations offered considerably improved cascade efficiencies, compared to that observed over monometallic analogues, with the optimal 0.5%Au-0.5%Pd/TiO 2 catalyst achieving total conversion of phenol within 15 minutes when used in conjunction with the enzyme. Importantly, the in-situ chemo-enzymatic system was shown to offer good stability over successive reactions, and outperforms analogous approaches reliant on the use of preformed H 2 O 2 , while also avoiding the proprietary stabilising agents present in the commercial oxidant. • Chemo-enzymatic cascades are effective in removing phenol from waste streams. • The alloying of Au with Pd improves process efficiency. • No loss in performance is seen upon reuse of the chemo-catalyst.