Pd/C-catalyzed reduction of NaHCO3 into formate with 2-pyrrolidone under hydrothermal conditions

Conversion of CO 2 into useful chemicals has been regarded as one promising method to mitigate the problem of global warming. However, developing an efficient method for CO 2 reduction with facile hydrogen source is still a great challenge. In this study, a new and straightforward method to convert NaHCO 3 , a model compound of CO 2 in basic solution, into formate with 2-pyrrolidone, a model compound of protein-containing biomass, as the reductant on a Pd/C catalyst in water was proposed. Results showed that a formate yield up to 30% from bicarbonate was successfully obtained over the Pd/C catalyst, and the Pd/C catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity and stability. Detailed studies revealed that the propanol generated from the decomposition of 2-pyrrolidone under hydrothermal conditions acted as the actual reductant and hydrogen source for the bicarbonate reduction to formate. Since 2-pyrrolidone can be readily generated from the proteins contained in biomass, the present research provides a promising technology of NaHCO 3 reduction with biomass as the hydrogen source and the renewable energy input, thus it is green, sustainable, and promising for practical application.