Strategic examination of the classical catalysis of formic acid decomposition for intermittent hydrogen production, storage and supply: A review

Abstract

Abstract Practically, an ideal catalyst for Formic acid-decomposition is one that best suits the reaction and significantly lowers its activation energy and improves the reaction rate under favourable conditions. Several catalysts for Formic Acid (FA)-decomposition reactions were examined. Based on the volcano curve and the potential of copper to give high hydrogen yields, emphasis was placed on a Cu-catalysed reaction as potential system for sustainable hydrogen production. Some recent advances in hydrogen production from formic acid were discussed and an effective system for FA-decomposition for hydrogen production was proposed. Since helium can be stored in weather balloons and weighs almost the same as hydrogen, a hydrogen buffer made from polyester fabric and coated with polyurethane or a hydrogen cylinder/tube was proposed for storing hydrogen for use as transport-fuel. Also, due to the nature of the mechanisms/pathways describing FA-conversion reactions at the sites or surfaces of the copper-nanocatalysts, it is evident that the Cu(2\xa01\xa01) coordination site possesses the highest activation energy relative to those of Cu(1\xa00\xa00) and Cu(1\xa01\xa01), hence, the reason for the noticeable high or low hydrogen yields. Thus, the potential of Cu giving high hydrogen yields from FA spans from the reactions of FA at the Cu(1\xa01\xa01) and Cu(1\xa00\xa00) sites.