Biomimetic polydopamine catalyst with redox activity for oxygen-promoted H2 production via aqueous formaldehyde reforming

We report for the first time that biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles are catalytically active for formaldehyde (HCHO) reforming into hydrogen (H-2), where O-2 acts as a co-catalyst. The catechol in PDA can activate O-2 molecules to form OOH and semiquinone radicals, which facilitate water dissociation and HCHO decomposition to realize efficient H-2 production. This work offers new insights into the design of organic catalysts for aqueous-phase hydrogen evolution reactions.

Automated summary

This study presents the catalytic activity of biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles for formaldehyde (HCHO) reforming into hydrogen (H-2) with O-2 acting as a co-catalyst. The catechol in PDA activates O-2 molecules to facilitate water dissociation and HCHO decomposition, leading to efficient H-2 production. This work contributes new insights into the design of organic catalysts for aqueous-phase hydrogen evolution reactions.