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Selective hydrogen production from formic acid decomposition on Pd-Au bimetallic surfaces
Wen-Yueh Yu1, Gregory M Mullen, David W Flaherty
1McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Chemistry, Center for Nano and Molecular Science and Technology, Texas Materials Institute, and Center for Electrochemistry, University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|July 15, 2014
Summary
Palladium-gold (Pd-Au) catalysts efficiently produce hydrogen from formic acid (HCOOH) decomposition. Surface atom arrangement on Pd-Au catalysts controls reaction selectivity, enabling tailored hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Formic acid (HCOOH) decomposition offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production, addressing storage and distribution challenges.
- Palladium-gold (Pd-Au) bimetallic catalysts exhibit high performance in selective HCOOH decomposition.
- Understanding the surface properties of Pd-Au catalysts is crucial for optimizing hydrogen generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors governing the catalytic properties of Pd-Au bimetallic surfaces for HCOOH decomposition.
- To elucidate the role of surface atom arrangement in determining the selectivity of HCOOH decomposition.
- To provide insights for the rational design of Pd-Au catalysts for hydrogen production and fuel cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) to analyze surface reactions.
- Employed reactive molecular beam scattering (RMBS) to study surface kinetics.
- Investigated Pd-Au bimetallic surfaces to understand structure-activity relationships.
Main Results:
- Pd atoms on Pd-Au surfaces activate HCOOH molecules.
- Surface atom arrangement dictates reaction selectivity: Pd-Au interface sites favor dehydrogenation, while Pd(111)-like sites favor dehydration.
- Catalyst reactivity and selectivity can be tuned by controlling the arrangement of Pd and Au atoms.
Conclusions:
- The arrangement of surface Pd and Au atoms is critical for controlling the selectivity of HCOOH decomposition.
- Tailoring the atomic structure of Pd-Au catalysts can optimize hydrogen production and direct formic acid fuel cell performance.
- Findings guide the rational design of advanced catalysts for energy applications.
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