Synthesis of bimetallic 4-PySI-Pd@Cu(BDC) via open metal site Cu-MOF: Effect of metal and support of Pd@Cu-MOFs in H2 generation from formic acid

Catalysts based on palladium ions grafted on Schiff-base decorated OMS-Cu(BDC) pore cage were prepared and their catalytic performance in the hydrogen generation from formic acid was studied. The effects of the porous MOF structure and Schiff-based group presented around the Pd ions play important roles in stabilizing the Pd ions, providing strong interaction between the MOF support and Pd site. The Pd-Schiff base complex grafted on Cu-MOF exhibits excellent catalytic activity to produce 147 mL of gas (H2 + CO2) with the turnover frequency (TOF) value of 412 h−1 towards the dehydrogenation of formic acid without any additives. The heterogeneous molecular catalyst could be easily recycled through the filtration and almost has no activity loss during the reuse. The results revealed that the heterogeneous Pd-based Cu-MOF is a promising catalyst for the hydrogen generation from formic acid.