Pd nanocatalyst supported on amine-functionalized mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 ) was investigated for dehydrogenation of formic acid. The catalyst was analyzed and tested to investigate the effect of amine functionalization on hydrogen generation from formic acid. Pd nanocatalyst was dispersed uniformly on NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 without agglomeration. The turnover frequency value of Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 was 1870 h −1 , which was higher than that of Pd/mpg-C 3 N 4 because of the amine functionalization. The Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 was also tested to investigate the effect of various reaction conditions (formic acid concentration, sodium formate concentration, and reaction temperature) on hydrogen generation from formic acid. Formic acid concentration negatively affected the catalytic activity, whereas sodium formate concentration positively affected it. Reaction temperature significantly affected the catalytic activity. The apparent activation energy of the Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 catalyst was 60.7 kJ mol −1 , and a hydrogen generator with the catalyst exhibited high conversion efficiency at an elevated temperature. Consequently, a hydrogen generator with Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 is suitable for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell systems. • Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 is investigated for a hydrogen generator in a PEMFC system. • Amine functionalization significantly affects catalyst characteristics. • Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 has superior selectivity and activity for dehydrogenation of formic acid. • Reaction conditions significantly affect the dehydrogenation of formic acid. • A hydrogen generator with Pd/NH 2 -mpg-C 3 N 4 exhibits high conversion efficiency.