Hydrogen storage in formic acid as a renewable energy source using heterogeneous catalysis

Obaid ALDOSARI

doi:10.3906/kim-1903-8

Abstract

One of the most vital chemicals, which is not only found naturally but can also be synthesized in the laboratory, is formic acid (FA). FA is a key byproduct of several second-generation biorefinery processes as well, and it is used in several pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Recently, another significant use of FA that is taking the lead is as a form of fuel. This could either involve reformation, as a possible form of chemical hydrogen storage, or be done without reformation in the form of FA fuel cells, in particular because FA fuel cells are much more effective than other proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Therefore, FA is a highly useful fuel for applications such as vehicles and portable devices. This review is based on recent developments and processes, showing that FA should become a prominent reversible source for hydrogen storage. Recent developments should permit a cheap and extremely effective source of rechargeable hydrogen fuel cells in the future. This will be possible through the usage of appropriate heterogeneous metal nanoparticle catalysts under ideal reaction conditions. The most significant aspect will be the usage of atmospheric CO$_{2}$, which is a greenhouse gas, to develop FA, as that would help to reduce the quantity of CO$_{2}$ in the atmosphere and diminish global warming.

Highlights

It is common knowledge that nonrenewable fossil fuels will not last indefinitely, and it is important to find alternatives before we run out of them
The main hindrance in making hydrogen a popular source of fuel cells is due to issues around producing, storing, and transporting it
The kinetic isotope effect and physicochemical characterization showed the development of both small Pd nanoparticles and joint action by the N(CH 3)2 groups within the resins that are vital to attaining an effective catalytic performance

Summary

Introduction

It is common knowledge that nonrenewable fossil fuels will not last indefinitely, and it is important to find alternatives before we run out of them. If hydrogen has to be stored physically, it is stored in diatomic molecular form It can be stored at both high pressures and low temperatures. The H 2 that is produced is effective for the creation of clean power production at low temperatures through the formation of organic hydrogen carriers, which has been well studied, such as carbazole, cycloalkanes, and methanol. These have several drawbacks when it comes to being used as hydrogen storage materials: they are toxic, expensive, and not stable enough and they have low levels and low dehydrogenation kinetics, and issues with efficiency during regeneration processes [23,24]. A lot of work and developments have been implemented by a number of researchers in this area to efficiently use FA as a renewable energy source [3,9,25]

FA decomposition

Heterogeneous catalysts

Conclusion