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Enhanced Formic Acid Dehydrogenation over Basic Site-Rich Pd/Al2O3 Hollow Sphere Catalyst
Shuai Wei1, Hui Liang1, Xuan Xu2
1School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou 221018, China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|June 16, 2025
Summary
Formic acid decomposition for hydrogen production is enhanced by basic alumina supports. This study reveals how catalyst support basicity directly improves hydrogen evolution efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Formic acid (FA) is a safe hydrogen carrier, but its efficient dehydrogenation is challenging.
- Catalyst support properties significantly influence FA decomposition pathways.
- Basic surface sites on supports are crucial for favoring the desired dehydrogenation route.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure-function relationship between alumina support basicity and catalytic performance in FA dehydrogenation.
- To develop a morphology-regulated strategy to modulate basic site distribution on alumina supports.
- To optimize palladium (Pd) catalysts supported on alumina for efficient hydrogen production from FA.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Al2O3 hollow spheres (HS), nanobelts (NB), and nanoparticles (NP) using a hydrothermal method.
- Preparation of Pd catalysts supported on different Al2O3 morphologies.
- Catalytic evaluation of FA dehydrogenation.
- In situ DRIFTS and CO2-TPD analyses to elucidate reaction mechanisms and surface properties.
Main Results:
- Al2O3 hollow spheres (HS) exhibited abundant surface basicity compared to nanobelts (NB) and nanoparticles (NP).
- The Pd/Al2O3-HS catalyst demonstrated superior catalytic performance with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 4606 h-1 for H2 production.
- No detectable CO formation was observed, indicating high selectivity for dehydrogenation.
- Mechanistic studies confirmed that support basicity facilitates formate formation and key intermediates, enhancing H2 evolution.
Conclusions:
- The basicity of the catalyst support plays a critical role in the efficiency and selectivity of formic acid dehydrogenation.
- Morphology control of alumina supports, specifically creating hollow spheres with enriched basic sites, significantly enhances catalytic activity.
- This study establishes a direct correlation between support basicity and catalytic efficiency for hydrogen production from formic acid.
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