Formic acid dehydrogenation reaction on high-performance PdxAu1−x alloy nanoparticles prepared by the eco-friendly slow synthesis methodology

Dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) is considered to be an effective solution for efficient storage and transport of hydrogen. For decades, highly effective catalysts for this purpose have been widely investigated, but numerous challenges remain. Herein, the Pd_xAu_1−x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1) alloys over the whole composition range were successfully prepared and used to catalyze FA hydrogen production efficiently near room temperature. Small PdAu nanoparticles (5–10 nm) were well-dispersed and supported on the activated carbon to form PdAu solid solution alloys via the eco-friendly slow synthesis methodology. The physicochemical properties of the PdAu alloys were comprehensively studied by utilizing various measurement methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF-STEM), X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS). Notably, owing to the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) and electron transfer between active metal Au and Pd, the Pd_0.5Au_0.5 obtained exhibits a turnover frequency (TOF) value of up to 1648 h⁻¹ (313 K, n_Pd+Au/n_FA = 0.01, n_HCOOH/n_HCOONa = 1:3) with a high activity, selectivity, and reusability in the FA dehydrogenation.