Homogeneously catalysed conversion of aqueous formaldehyde to H2 and carbonate

Small organic molecules provide a promising solution for the requirement to store large amounts of hydrogen in a future hydrogen-based energy system. Herein, we report that diolefin-ruthenium complexes containing the chemically and redox non-innocent ligand trop2dad catalyse the production of H2 from formaldehyde and water in the presence of a base. The process involves the catalytic conversion to carbonate salt using aqueous solutions and is...