Efficient production of hydrogen from formic acid using a Covalent Triazine Framework supported molecular catalyst

A heterogeneous molecular catalyst based on Ir(III) Cp* (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) attached to a covalent triazine framework (CTF) is reported. It catalyses the production of hydrogen from formic acid with initial turnover frequencies (TOFs) up to 27,000 h(-1) and turnover numbers (TONs) of more than one million in continuous operation. The CTF support, with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 1800 m(2) g(-1), was constructed from an optimal 2:1 ratio of biphenyl and pyridine carbonitrile building blocks. Biphenyl building blocks induce mesoporosity and, therefore, facilitate diffusion of reactants and products whereas free pyridinic sites activate formic acid towards β-hydride elimination at the metal, rendering unprecedented rates in hydrogen production. The catalyst is air stable, produces CO-free hydrogen, and is fully recyclable. Hydrogen production rates of more than 60 mol L(-1) h(-1) were obtained at high catalyst loadings of 16 wt % Ir, making it attractive towards process intensification.