Biomimetic polydopamine catalyst with redox activity for oxygen-promoted H2 production via aqueous formaldehyde reforming

We report for the first time that biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles are catalytically active for formaldehyde (HCHO) reforming into hydrogen (H2), where O2 acts as a co-catalyst. The catechol in PDA can activate O2 molecules to form ˙OOH and semiquinone radicals, which facilitate water dissociation and HCHO decomposition to realize efficient H2 production. This work offers new insights into the design of organic catalysts for aqueous-phase hydrogen evolution reactions.