Highly-Efficient Low-Loading Co Atom Sites Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation From Formic Acid

Abstract

The development of formic acid dehydrogenation materials with high activity and low cost is key to realizing hydrogen energy utilization. Herein, we describe a specific low-loading strategy to construct a high-activity Co atom site catalyst for this reaction. Under optimal conditions, the formic acid dehydrogenation performance of Co─Fe dual-atom catalyst (turnover frequency of 2,446.8 h⁻¹, hydrogen production rate of 1,015,306.1 mL g_Co⁻¹ h⁻¹) was 300 times greater than that of commercial 5% Pd/C. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectra, combined with theoretical calculations, confirm that the presence of different active sites (Co single-atom, Co–Co dual-atom, Co─Fe dual-atom) in catalysts is the key factor affecting their catalytic activity. These findings provide a strong scientific basis for the development of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts.

Keywords

dual-atom catalysts / formic acid dehydrogenation / highly-efficient / low-loading / single-atom catalysts

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