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

Abstract

We report for the first time that biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles are catalytically active for formaldehyde (HCHO) reforming into hydrogen (H₂), where O₂ acts as a co-catalyst. The catechol in PDA can activate O₂ molecules to form ˙OOH and semiquinone radicals, which facilitate water dissociation and HCHO decomposition to realize efficient H₂ production. This work offers new insights into the design of organic catalysts for aqueous-phase hydrogen evolution reactions.