Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid Using KIT‐6 Supported Non‐Noble Metal‐Based Catalysts

The aim of this study is to investigate the activity of KIT‐6 supported nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) catalysts, and the effect of Co incorporation to the Ni@KIT‐6 catalyst in the formic acid (FA) dehydrogenation. Ni and Co are inexpensive and readily available non‐noble transition metals that are considered ideal for dehydrogenation reactions due to their high activity against C‐C and C‐H bond breaking. In this study, KIT‐6 supported catalysts were tested for hydrogen production from FA in a conventionally heated packed‐bed continuous‐flow system. N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms of the samples were found to be consistent with Type‐IV according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) classification. The introduction of metal loading resulted in the preservation of the mesoporous structure of the support material. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the catalysts exhibited the characteristic amorphous silica structure. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFT) analysis, Lewis acidity of Co‐based catalysts was found to be higher than the Ni‐based catalysts. The complete formic acid conversion was observed at 200‐350 °C. The highest H2 selectivity was obtained with the 3Ni@KIT‐6 catalyst. The Co‐based catalysts exhibited relatively lower catalytic activity, which was linked to increased coke formation within these catalysts.