| Highly active bimetallic catalysts were synthesized and used for the decomposition of formic acid for the production of hydrogen. Ruthenium alloys were prepared and resulted in a maximum formic acid conversion of 68% (after one hour at 180 °C) and a turnover frequency of 0.7/s (at 5 wt% formic acid). The most promising catalysts were characterized by the means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Kinetic studies were also carried out over these catalysts for the determination of reaction rate and turnover frequency. Promotion of Ru/C with tin, barium and cesium increased the formic acid conversion by 55%, 18% and 11% respectively. |
