Pd nanoparticles supported on CeO2 as efficient catalyst for hydrogen generation from formaldehyde solution at room temperature

Abstract

A facile and efficient method for facilitating hydrogen generation from formaldehyde aqueous solution was developed using Pd nanoparticles supported on CeO2 (Pd/CeO2) as the catalyst. The prepared Pd/CeO2 catalyst exhibited 100% H2 selectivity and excellent catalytic activity for formaldehyde dehydrogenation with the initial rate of 2089 ml min−1 gPd−1 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure without any extra additive. The prepared catalyst was stable and reusable, and its catalytic activity kept almost unchanged after it was reused for the fifth run. Therefore, it is considered that this Pd/CeO2 based hydrogen generation system may serve as an alternative hydrogen supply candidate for practical application.