Boron nitride nanosheets supported highly homogeneous bimetallic AuPd alloy nanoparticles catalyst for hydrogen production from formic acid

Formic acid (FA) has been recently regarded as a safe and stable source of hydrogen (H-2). Selective and efficient dehydrogenation of FA by an effective catalyst under mild conditions is still a challenge. So, different molar ratios of bimetallic Pd-Au alloy nanoparticles were effectively stabilized and uniformly distributed on boron nitride nanosheets (BNSSs) surface via the precipitation process. Obtained catalysts were employed in FA decomposition for H-2 production. Pd-Au@BNNS containing 3% Au and 5% Pd (Au.03Pd.05@BNNS) exhibited high activity and 100% H-2 selectivity for H-2 production from FA at 50 degrees C. In order to optimize the reaction conditions, various factors including, time, temperature, solvent, base type, and amount of catalyst, were examined.

Automated summary

The effective stabilization and uniform distribution of bimetallic Pd-Au alloy nanoparticles on boron nitride nanosheets enable high activity and selectivity for dehydrogenation of formic acid. Various factors that affect the reaction conditions were investigated.