CuPd/MgO for Efficient Catalytic Hydrogen Production from Formaldehyde Solution at Room Temperature

The composite catalyst of CuPd alloy nanoparticles supported on MgO (CuPd/MgO) was prepared by an impregnation reduction method. CuPd/MgO showed excellent catalytic performance during formaldehyde reforming for hydrogen production at room temperature in the air. The turnover frequency (TOF) of CuPd/MgO was as high as 812.6 h(-1), which was respectively 2.3 times and 23 times higher than that of Cu/MgO (TOF=356.7 h(-1)) and Pd/MgO (TOF=34.8 h(-1)) under the same reaction conditions. Based on the experimental observations and characterization results, we found that a strong metal support interaction (SMSI) between CuPd alloy nanoparticles and MgO support enriched with defects on the surface was present in CuPd/MgO. This interaction was conducive to the transfer and recombination of electrons on the catalyst, greatly promoting the adsorption, activation, and reduction of oxygen on the catalyst surface to form superoxide anion radical (center dot O-2(-)). The center dot O-2(-) combined with the proton generated by the C-H bond breaking of formaldehyde to form superoxide radical (center dot OOH). The hydrogen radical (center dot H) dissociated from water molecules in the reaction system continuously combined with center dot OOH to generate hydrogen and oxygen, leading to the generation of hydrogen and the regeneration of oxygen.

Automated summary

The composite catalyst of CuPd alloy nanoparticles supported on MgO (CuPd/MgO) showed excellent catalytic performance in formaldehyde reforming for hydrogen production at room temperature in the air. It exhibited a high turnover frequency (TOF) which was significantly higher than that of Cu/MgO and Pd/MgO under the same reaction conditions. The strong metal support interaction (SMSI) between CuPd alloy nanoparticles and MgO support was responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity.