Pd nanoparticles on functionalized carbon nanotubes for enhanced formic acid hydrogen production under ambient conditions

Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are acidified and M ( M = B or N) doped to support Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) for upgrading to Pd/MCNT catalysts used in H 2 production from formic acid (FA). The characterization analysis demonstrates the support composition affects the electronic properties and size of PdNPs, thus impacting the performance of Pd/MCNTs. Among the assessed materials, Pd/BCNTs exhibit the largest specific surface area (128.1273 m 2 g −1 ) and smallest PdNPs particle size (6.28 nm). These properties result in significant improvements in FA conversion (41.67 %), and turnover frequency value (3451 h −1 ) compared to conventional Pd/CNTs (17.36 % and 564 h −1 , respectively). The study evaluates the service life and repeatability of Pd/BCNTs and analyzes the catalyst mechanism. This study filled the vacancy of acidification-modified and doped CNTs in Pd regulation, enhanced Pd's catalytic performance, and further supported FA as an H 2 storage material.