Thermocatalytic formic acid dehydrogenation: recent advances and emerging trends

Abstract

As a state-of-the-art resource for in situ hydrogen supply, formic acid has recently attracted considerable attention due to its advantages of high hydrogen content, low toxicity, and easy storage and transportation. However, generating hydrogen from formic acid in a controlled manner under mild conditions is still challenging. The stability of formic acid dehydrogenation (FAD) catalysts and CO selectivity require further investigation. With this in mind, recent advances in heterogeneous catalysts, homogeneous catalysts, and carbon-based supports are summarized. After that, a perspective on catalyst design (the size-sensitivity effect, core–shell catalysts, single-atom catalysts, and metal–organic framework-derived catalysts), mechanism clarification, and microchannel reactor construction is proposed for effectively propelling the development of FAD. This perspective aims at not only providing innovative ideas for fundamental research in FAD, but also promoting the applications of in situ hydrogen supply obtained from formic acid.