Nanocatalytic Architecture for the Selective Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

Abstract

Formic acid (HCOOH) is a main by-product formed through many biomass processes and has recently been proposed as one of the most promising liquid organic hydrogen carrier material in the chemical hydrogen storage for the fuel cell applications. However, efficient hydrogen (H2) generation through catalytic formic acid dehydrogenation under mild thermodynamic conditions constitutes a major challenge because poisoning of active metal center exists in catalytic systems with carbon monoxide (CO) formed as an intermediate. In this chapter, we focus on the research advances on the formic acid dehydrogenation in the presence of different nanocatalysts including monometallic, bimetallic, and trimetallic nanoparticles in the form of alloy, core@shell, and physical mixture. The main advantages and drawbacks of these systems are presented by comparing their catalytic performances depending on additives, solvents, and temperature parameters. Additionally, the morphology, structure, and composition of these nanocatalysts as well as their synthesis protocols are discussed, and new synthesis strategies are proposed to enhance the catalytic performance of nanocatalysts in the formic acid dehydrogenation. © 2021 WILEY-VCH GmbH, Boschstr. 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany.