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Identify a suitable LOHC candidate with desirable enthalpy (<60 KJ/mol of hydrogen) and hydrogenation generation from hydrogen-rich LOHC (LOHC+) at ambient temperature to reduce the energy cost
 

LOHCs represent an extremely attractive option for the chemical storage of hydrogen for non-stationary, “mobile” applications. The efficiency of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of LOHCs is critical for effective storage. Favorable kinetics with low heat requirement maximizes the energy efficiency. The temperature and pressure required, along with the load and recyclability of catalysts, are important for the economy and durability. Cyclic hydrocarbons are cheap, abundant, stable, and non-toxic; and have already been commercialized as LOHCs. However, the catalytic hydrogenation/dehydrogenation cycle currently requires ~250-350 °C temperature with hydrogenation at very high pressure, and the enthalpy requirement is ~68 kJ/mol of H2, which is outside the recommended region of 10-60 kJ/mol. NHeterocycles are therefore being looked upon as alternatives since they can be produced in bulk scale from biomass feedstock and their enthalpy requirement is 40-55 kJ/mol. However, the operational pressure, temperature, and recyclability of N-Heterocycle based LOHCs need improvement. We aim to find suitable LOHCs and inexpensive catalyst systems for their efficient hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. As a proof-of-concept, we established a visible light harvesting room temperature process to generate hydrogen from an N-heterocyclic compound that meets the criteria of LOHC. We aim to screen other suitable N-heterocyclic LOHC candidates, screen catalyst systems to find the most promising combination to go for scale-up process. We also propose to alternative electrochemical process that would directly charge the hydrogen lean LOHC (LOHC-) during water electrolysis, and generate hydrogen from it under the same electrochemical process.

New project

Establishment of a catalytic process for hydrogen generation from a suitable LOHC under mild condition nd lower energy requirement than the current process.
 

The LOHC technology is already in use for the hydrogen economy, but the high energy requirement makes it economically unfavorable in comparison to the fossil fuel. To transition from the fossil fuel, the reduction in cost of hydrogen is a necessity. The lower energy requirement to charge and discharge hydrogen to LOHC would reduce the cost of hydrogen. Therefore, improvement of LOHC efficiency is essential for its commercial viability.
 

Self-implemented for the lab-scale and scale-up to 100g scale. Further scale-up need outsourced partnership.