Palladium Copper Chromium Ternary Nanoparticles Constructed In situ within a Basic Resin: Enhanced Activity in the Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

Abstract

AbstractPdCuCr ternary nanoparticles (NPs) responsible for the efficient production of H2 from formic acid are constructed in situ during the initial catalytic reaction within a macroreticular basic resin that possesses −N(CH3)2 functional groups. A high H2 production rate of 174 000 mL h−1 gpd−1 with a high turnover frequency of 830 h−1 based on Pd can be achieved, which is substantially higher than that obtained with bimetallic PdCu and PdCr and monometallic Pd NPs. Physicochemical characterization was performed by using X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The kinetic isotope effect revealed not only the stabilization of highly dispersed NPs but also the boosting of the C−H bond dissociation step by a synergistic alloying effect induced by the introduction of Cr atoms, which plays an important role to achieve efficient catalytic activity. Moreover, this heterogeneous catalytic system exhibits high durability without agglomeration and leaching and has potential for applications in high‐pressure gas‐evolution systems.