Pd and Pd–Ag Nanoparticles within a Macroreticular Basic Resin: An Efficient Catalyst for Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid Decomposition

Abstract

A basic resin bearing −N(CH3)2 functional groups within its macroreticular structure performed as an efficient organic support for the active Pd nanoparticles (NPs) responsible for the production of high-quality H2 via formic acid (HCOOH) decomposition at convenient temperature. Physicochemical characterization as well as the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) revealed that not only the formation of small Pd NPs but also cooperative action by the −N(CH3)2 groups within the resins play crucial roles in achieving efficient catalytic performances. In addition to the advantages such as simple workup procedure, free of additives, and superior catalytic activity compared with the conventional inorganic supports, the present catalytic system can suppress unfavorable CO formation of <5 ppm, which makes it an ideal hydrogen vector in terms of potential industrial application for proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. Moreover, the basic resin support also provides Pd–Ag nanocatalyst from an aqueous solution of mixture of PdCl2 and AgNO3. The catalytic activities in the H2 production from formic acid decomposition were strongly dependent on the presence of Ag atoms and were shown to perform significantly better than the pure Pd and Ag catalysts.