Additive-free, Robust and High Value-added H2 Production from Dehydrogenation between H2O and DMF Catalyzed by in-situ Formed Cu/Cu2O

Hydrogen production from organic/inorganic hydrides represents a promising strategy for developing novel clean energy resources to replace fossil fuels and satisfy ever-increasing energy demands. Most current processes involve small flammable chemicals catalyzed by noble metals under basic media with the release of greenhouse gas CO2. Here, we describe an alternative pathway for highly efficient and robust H2 production through a dehydrogenation between water and N,N-dimethylformamide catalyzed by in-situ formed Cu/Cu2O catalysts. The catalysts exhibit high and robust activity for H2 production. Importantly, H2 as the sole gas and the valuable byproduct N,N-dimethylamino formic acid make this process clean and valuable one with 100% atom economy.