Hydrogen generation from sodium hypophosphite catalyzed by metallic nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride

Sodium hypophosphite is a potential green source for the generation of clean elemental hydrogen without pollutants. The examination of the catalytic activity toward hydrogen production of different metallic nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) was performed using sodium hypophosphite as hydrogen source. Four different metallic nanoparticles were assessed, namely, palladium, nickel, ruthenium, and rhodium. The Pd-based catalyst, Pd/GCN, was found to be the most active and stable of the four catalysts. The latter showed phenomenal catalytic activity of 100% conversion over five cycles hence makes this process sustainable. All four catalysts were characterized by PXRD, FTIR, XPS, TGA, TEM, and ICP-MS techniques. The blend of hypophosphite and Pd/GCN catalyst was weighed against the grouping of this catalyst with the traditional hydrogen source, potassium formate. We realized that the first combination is much more efficient and does not release byproducts, which makes this hydrogen source greener and more effectual.