Abstract
PdAgFe, FePdAg and FeAgPd trimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized by seedless and step-wise simultaneous chemical reduction of Fe3+, Ag+ and Pd2+ by using hydrazine in presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and used as a catalyst for the degradation of formic acid. The effects of nanoparticle composition, presence of sodium format (promoter), [catalyst], [formic acid] and temperature play key roles in the hydrogen generation. The Ba(OH)2 trap experiment and water displacement technique were used to determine the generation of CO2 and H2, respectively. The decomposition of formic acid followed complex-order kinetics with respect to [formic acid]. It was found that FeAgPd showed a maximum catalytic activity (turn over frequency) of 75 mol H2 per mol catalyst per h. The activation energy (Ea = 51.6 kJ/mol), activation enthalpy (ΔH = 48.9 kJ/mol) and activation entropy (ΔS = −151.0 JK-1 mol−1) were determined and discussed for the catalytic reaction. The reusability of the FeAgPd at 50 °C shows an efficient degree of activity for six consecutive catalytic cycles.
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•Synthesis of PdAgFe, FeAgPd, and FePdAg trimetallic nanoparticles using hydrazine.•Used as a catalyst to the hydrogen generation from formic acid.•Catalytic activity of FeAgPd was higher than PdAgFe and FePdAg trimetallic nanoparticles.•Research applications for both academic and industrial interest.