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 (H2). 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 H2 production. Pd-Au@BNNS containing 3% Au and 5% Pd (Au.03Pd.05@BNNS) exhibited high activity and 100% H2 selectivity for H2 production from FA at 50 °C. In order to optimize the reaction conditions, various factors including, time, temperature, solvent, base type, and amount of catalyst, were examined. © 2022 IOP Publishing Ltd.