Hollow silica catalysts encapsulating aminopolymer and Pd Nanoparticles for production of formic acid from CO₂

Abstract

Hollow silica catalysts encapsulating Pd nanoparticles and aminopolymer (poly(ethyleneimine)) were synthesized for the production of formic acid from CO₂. Proximity of Pd nanoparticles active for CO₂ hydrogenation and aminopolymer capable of capturing CO₂ led to an efficient formic acid production from CO₂. Furthermore, alloying of Pd with Ag provided a much higher catalytic activity compared with heterogeneous catalysts ever reported in the literature. The catalyst was reusable multiple times without significant loss of activity and structural deformations.