Kinetic study of catalytic formic acid dehydrogenation by in situ UV-vis spectroscopy†

Abstract

The development of H₂ production technology through formic acid dehydrogenation (FADH), a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, has attracted considerable attention for hydrogen energy utilization. Catalysts play a vital role in FADH. Therefore, it is essential to understand the reaction mechanism and to develop efficient catalysts. Traditionally, theoretical calculations and kinetic isotope effects have been used to analyze the reaction mechanisms; however, achieving accurate kinetic analysis has remained challenging. In response, we devised an analytical method using in situ UV-vis spectroscopy for the kinetic analysis of FADH. The evaluation of the initial hydride formation and H₂ evolution rates from dynamic changes observed by in situ UV-vis spectroscopic analysis using a charge coupled device array detector on a millisecond scale suggested the necessity of improving both steps for designing highly active catalysts.