Interface Catalysis of PdO/TiO2 in the Transformation of Formate

Recently, as an important product of the CO2 hydrogenation reaction and a crucial hydrogen storage material, the transformation of formic acid (FA)/formate to H2 or active hydrogen species has attracted much attention. However, obtaining a robust and efficient solid catalyst constitutes a major challenge. In this work, nitrobenzene was used as the active hydrogen species capture agent, and various Pd-based catalysts were prepared and used to refine the influence factors of FA decomposition over TiO2-supported palladium catalysts. The catalysts’ deactivation and regeneration process, control reactions, and catalyst characterizations indicate that the electrical state of the Pd species and interface microsurroundings played decisive roles in the activity and reusability of PdO/TiO2. Based on the results obtained, a tentative mechanism with the active sites (Pdδ+–O–Ti) located at the PdO/TiO2 interface was proposed, which would be useful for the chemistry of the Pd catalyst and formate decomposition.