Abstract
Application of liquid organic hydrogen carriers, such as “methylcyclohexane (MCH)–toluene” chemical couple, is one of the promising approaches for hydrogen storage and transportation. In the present study, copper-modified nickel catalysts with high metal loading of 75 wt% were synthesized via heterophase sol–gel technique, and investigated in the dehydrogenation of MCH. Two approaches towards the copper introduction were applied. The catalyst samples prepared via wetness impregnation of the nickel sol–gel catalyst are characterized by more effective Ni-Cu interaction compared to those where two metals were introduced simultaneously by the mixing of their solid precursors. As a result, the “impregnated” catalysts revealed higher selectivity towards toluene. The addition of copper up to 30 wt% of total metal content was shown to increase significantly toluene selectivity and yield without a noticeable decrease in MCH conversion. The catalyst with the active component including 80 wt% of Ni and 20 wt% of Cu demonstrated 96% and 89% toluene selectivity at 40% and 80% MCH conversion, respectively. Based on the obtained data, this non-noble catalytic system appears quite promising for the MCH dehydrogenation.
Highlights
The growing interest in the use of alternative energy sources and energy carriers necessitates the development of approaches towards hydrogen storage and transportation [1,2]
A monometallic nickel catalyst SG_Ni-SiO2 was prepared for comparison reasons. The catalysts for both the physicochemical characterization and catalytic tests were treated at the same temperature of 400 ◦ C, based on the temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) of oxidized catalysts
The proposed high-loaded nickel–copper catalysts proved to be promising for MCH dehydrogenation
Summary
The growing interest in the use of alternative energy sources and energy carriers necessitates the development of approaches towards hydrogen storage and transportation [1,2]. One of the promising approaches is based on chemical binding of hydrogen (hydrogenation reaction) in the form of saturated hydrocarbons—liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), e.g., cycloalkanes. “Methylcyclohexane (MCH)—toluene (TOL)” cycle has been reported as a promising H2 storage system that can be practically applicable on an industrial scale [7]. In this direction, catalytic membrane reactors of different geometries and membrane materials have been suggested to overcome thermodynamic limitations and increase. An integrated system that can provide energy for the MCH dehydrogenation maintaining a highly efficient cycle as the hydrogen-based power generation system has been proposed [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
