Formic acid as a hydrogen storage material – development of homogeneous catalysts for selective hydrogen release

Abstract

Formic acid (FA, HCO₂H) receives considerable attention as a hydrogen storage material. In this respect, hydrogenation of CO₂ to FA and dehydrogenation of FA are crucial reaction steps. In the past decade, for both reactions, several molecularly defined and nanostructured catalysts have been developed and intensively studied. From 2010 onwards, this review covers recent advancements in this area using homogeneous catalysts. In addition to the development of catalysts for H₂ generation, reversible H₂ storage including continuous H₂ production from formic acid is highlighted. Special focus is put on recent progress in non-noble metal catalysts.