Pd Nanoparticles Anchored on Amine-Functionalized Boron Nitride Co-Doped with Carbon and Oxygen as Catalysts for Formic Acid Dehydrogenation

Formic acid (FA) has garnered considerable interest as a sustainable energy source because of its high hydrogen storage capability and convenient transportability. However, efficient dehydrogenation of FA requires highly selective and efficient catalysts. This study explores the potential of C and O co-doped boron nitride (BNC,O) as a support for Pd nanoparticles in FA dehydrogenation. The BNC,O support has been synthesized through high-temperature pyrolysis and subsequently functionalized with −NH2 groups to enhance the dispersion and anchoring of ultrafine Pd nanoparticles (∼2.1 nm). In comparison to the unmodified catalyst, the resulting Pd/BNC,O-A catalyst demonstrates a significant enhancement in catalytic activity for FA dehydrogenation, achieving an initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 522.0 h–1 at 298 K and 1560.9 h–1 at 338 K with nearly 100% hydrogen selectivity. Characterization techniques reveal that the incorporation of C and O heteroatoms and −NH2 groups into the BNC,O support facilitates the formation of small and well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles while also forming a strong metal–support interaction. The −NH2 groups further promote FA dehydrogenation by acting as proton scavengers. This study highlights the promising potential of C and O co-doped, −NH2 functionalized BNC,O as a support for Pd-based catalysts for efficient FA dehydrogenation.