Mechanistic Study of Hydrogen Production Based on the Formate Decomposition with Platinum Nanoparticles Dispersed by Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Hydrogen is currently considered to be an alternative source energy to fossil fuels, which are the cause of excessive carbon dioxide emissions. Hydrogen has a high energy density and can be easily produced by electrolysis of water using electric energy derived from renewable energy, so has high potential as a renewable energy source. However, hydrogen is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, so presents problems with storage and transportation, and techniques for overcoming these disadvantages are being actively researched1). One technology for storing and transporting hydrogen is the hydrogen carrier that contains a hydrogen atom in the molecule which can be released as hydrogen molecules by chemical reaction. Candidate substances that can be used as hydrogen carriers include ammonia2), organic hydride3),4), and hydrogen storage alloys5),6). Formate is one of the most promising candidates for a hydrogen carrier material. Formic acid is a liquid at ordinary temperature and pressure, and formic acid with a concentration of 90 % or less does not fall under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law in Japan. Furthermore, an aqueous solution of formic acid of less than 78 % does not fall under the category of dangerous goods under the Fire Service Act of Japanese Law and is easy to handle, is less toxic, and contains 4.3 wt% hydrogen in the formic acid molecule. These characteristics of formic acid as a hydrogen carrier are very suitable for safe storage and transportation of hydrogen energy. Use of formic acid as a hydrogen carrier requires in[Regular Paper]