Analysis of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Systems : Properties of liquid organic hydrogen carriers, operation conditions and catalytic materials employed

Abstract

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) provide attractive opportunities for hydrogen storage and transportation. In this study, a detailed examination of the most prominent LOHCs is performed, with a focus on their properties and scope for successful process implementation, as well as catalytic materials used for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation steps. Different properties of each potential LOHC offer significant flexibility within the technology, allowing bespoke hydrogen storage and transportation solutions to be provided. Among different LOHC systems, dibenzyltoluene/perhydro-dibenzyltoluene has been identified as one of the most promising candidates for future deployment in commercial LOHC-based hydrogen storage and transport settings, based on its physical and toxicological properties, process conditions requirements, availability and its moderate cost. Platinum group metal (pgm)-based catalysts have been proven to catalyse both the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation steps for various LOHC systems, though base metal catalysts might have a potential for the technology.