Formic Acid Decomposition over Pd/C Catalysts: Promotion and Change of Mechanism Caused by Doping with Alkali Metal Ions

The rates of hydrogen production from formic acid over Pd/C catalysts were increased by 1-2 orders of magnitude by doping with potassium ions. The doped catalysts were stable and gave low level of CO (<30 ppm).  K formate is a key intermediate, providing improved hydrogen generation on Pd sites.