Efficient production of hydrogen from formic acid using a Covalent Triazine Framework supported molecular catalyst

by A.V. Bavykina, M.G. Goesten, F. Kapteijn, M. Makkee, J. Gascon
Year: 2015 ISSN: DOI: cssc.201403173R1

Bibliography

A.V. Bavykina, M.G. Goesten, F. Kapteijn, M. Makkee, J. Gascon, ChemSusChem 8 (2015) 809-812, Efficient production of hydrogen from formic acid using a Covalent Triazine Framework supported molecular catalyst

Abstract

​A heterogeneous molecular catalyst based on IrIIICp* (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) attached to a covalent triazine framework (CTF) is reported. It catalyses the production of hydrogen from formic acid with initial turnover frequencies (TOFs) up to 27 000 h−1 and turnover numbers (TONs) of more than one million in continuous operation. The CTF support, with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1800 m2 g−1, was constructed from an optimal 2:1 ratio of biphenyl and pyridine carbonitrile building blocks. Biphenyl building blocks induce mesoporosity and, therefore, facilitate diffusion of reactants and products whereas free pyridinic sites activate formic acid towards β-hydride elimination at the metal, rendering unprecedented rates in hydrogen production. The catalyst is air stable, produces CO-free hydrogen, and is fully recyclable. Hydrogen production rates of more than 60 mol L−1 h−1 were obtained at high catalyst loadings of 16 wt % Ir, making it attractive towards process intensification.

Keywords

Covalent triazine frameworks Formic acid Heterogeneous Catalysis Hydrogen production Iridium