One-pot synthesis of magnetic reduced graphene oxide as a support of Pd/PdO nanoparticles for hydrogen generation from formic acid

Abstract

Hydrogen gas, renowned for its clean combustion, is a pivotal candidate in the realm of alternative fuels, drawing significant research interest particularly through photocatalytic methods. In this study, a novel Pd/PdO@MRGO nanocomposite is synthesized through a one-pot thermal treatment of citric acid with Fe(II) and Fe(III), and subsequent deposition of Pd species. This composite demonstrates enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from formic acid under visible light. Characterization techniques confirm the formation of RGO and Fe₃O₄, with Pd/PdO nanoparticles uniformly dispersed. The catalyst exhibits a bandgap energy of 2.19 eV and magnetic properties (16.8 emu/g), achieving a turnover frequency of 371 h⁻¹. The magnetic property enables facile catalyst recovery, highlighting its potential for sustainable hydrogen production.