The design of efficient catalysts is the essential to realize formic acid (FA) as a hydrogen carrier. However, it remains a challenging task. Herein, the porous carbon was prepared using ZnCo-containing zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) as a precursor, which supported Pd as an effective catalyst for FA dehydrogenation. Porous carbon containing Co and N was synthesized by one-step method, and the Co and N promoted the activity of Pd by modifying its electron state. The catalytic performance was further improved by doping Zn into the predesigned bimetallic ZnCo-ZIFs. The addition of Zn increased the dispersion of PdCo nanoparticles, N content and specific surface area of the catalysts. When Zn/Co molar ratio was 2, the prepared catalyst (Pd/Co@CN-2) with an average diameter of PdCo about 2.6 nm exhibited the best catalytic activity, showing an initial turnover frequency value (TOF) as high as 2302 h(-1) even at 30 degrees C. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.