Supported transition metal nanoparticle catalyst and use thereof as a hydrogenation catalyst

A catalyst comprising:

• transition metal nanoparticles wherein the transition metal of the nanoparticles is selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ag, Pt, Au, and alloys of two or more thereof;
• stabilizing ligands comprising a cationic surfactant;
• and a support material comprising sodium aluminosilicate;
• wherein at least a portion of the stabilizing ligands are adsorbed on the surface of the transition metal nanoparticles so as to form stabilized transition metal nanoparticles,
• wherein the stabilized transition metal nanoparticles are impregnated into the support material,
• wherein the catalyst displays a molar ratio of the stabilizing ligands to the transition metal in the nanoparticles calculated as the element, wherein the molar ratio is comprised in the range of from 0.1 to 25,
• wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.5 wt % to 2.5 wt % of transition metal nanoparticles calculated as the transition metal and based on 100 wt % of the support material,
• wherein the support material has a BET surface area in the range of from 140 m2/g to 300 m2/g, wherein the BET surface area is determined according to ISO 9277:2010,
• wherein the catalyst is a hydrogenation catalyst for an anthraquinone process for production of hydrogen peroxide.