Immobilizing AgPd alloy on Vulcan XC-72 carbon: a novel catalyst for highly efficient hydrogen generation from formaldehyde aqueous solution

Abstract

A novel bimetallic catalyst, AgPd nanoalloy supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon (AgPd@C-72), has been successfully fabricated and used for catalyzing H₂ generation from formaldehyde aqueous solution at room temperature for the first time. The catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity and good stability, and the hydrogen generation rates could reach up to 237.4 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹, which could be attributed to the high dispersion of metal nanoparticles, the synergistic effect of bimetal AgPd, and distinct interaction between the bimetal and the support. The excellent performance of the new catalytic system renders it quite attractive as a superior competitor for efficient hydrogen production from formaldehyde at room temperature. This work might open up a new way to further develop cost-effective and highly efficient bimetallic catalysts for the generation of H₂ from formaldehyde aqueous solution.