Redox Catalysis for Dehydrogenation of Liquid Hydrogen Carrier Fuels for Energy Storage and Conversion

Abstract

The process of redox catalysis has been known and well studied theoretically and experimentally for several decades. Studies of redox catalysis can be instrumental in determining mechanistic aspects of electrochemical reactions and in measuring basic thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. The application of redox catalysis to the electrochemical dehydrogenation of organic molecules is of interest for a hybrid flow battery/fuel cell system for energy storage. Redox catalysis has the ability to reduce the overpotential of the dehydrogenation reaction used in such a system. The mechanism of catalysis can involve an ECE-type reaction or a CEE-type reaction. In either case the acid-base chemistry of the medium is critical. Preliminary results of catalytic current measurements as a function of redox catalyst, base concentration, and base strength are described along with possible reaction mechanisms.