Nanocatalyst makes heavy work of formic acid

Hydrogen occurs in nature as H2 molecules; however when deuterium isotopes—so called "heavy hydrogen"—are introduced, the result can be deuterium hydride (HD) or deuterium gas (D2). These compounds are useful starting materials in fine chemical production; however, the natural abundance of these gases is low and the techniques used for producing D2 are expensive and energy intensive. Researchers from Osaka University have now developed a catalyst that promotes selective production of D2 and HD from the inexpensive starting material formic acid in the presence of D2O. Their findings are published in Nature Communications.