Development of a Pd/K-TiO2 Photocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid and Formate SolutionsDukarič, Ava (Avtor) Lavrenčič Štangar, Urška (Mentor) Adan Delgado, Maria Cristina (Komentor) Formate SolutionsHydrogen StorageK-TiO2-Based MaterialsPhotocatalysisHydrogen is considered a promising energy carrier for the transition towards a more sustainable future. However, its low volumetric density makes storage and transportation challenging. In this study, Pd-loaded K-modified TiO2 photocatalysts were developed for hydrogen production from formic acid and potassium formate. K-modified TiO2 supports were synthesized via a sol–gel method and calcined at different temperatures to investigate how potassium affects the structural and photocatalytic properties of the support. XRPD analysis showed that K incorporation delays the formation of the rutile phase and promotes the formation of potassium titanates, resulting in improved photocatalytic activity. Palladium was then deposited on the best-performing support material using different contents and deposition methods, with 3.0 wt% Pd prepared by wet impregnation showing the highest activity for formic acid dehydrogenation. The optimized catalyst was further tested using potassium formate as the hydrogen source, where a higher hydrogen production rate and increased selectivity were observed. In addition, this alkaline pathway reduced the amount of CO2 released into the gas phase. With further optimization to prevent catalyst deactivation, the system could be promising for environmentally friendly hydrogen storage.20262026-09-09 14:40:03Diplomsko delo/naloga187265sl