Transport and Storage of Hydrogen via Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Systems

Abstract

This chapter describes hydrogen storage and transport via LOHC systems. These liquids are characterized by the fact that they can be charged and discharged with considerable amounts of hydrogen in cyclic, catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. The LOHC concept links the technical challenge of storing unsteady energy production from renewables with the vision of a sustainable, hydrogen-based energy system. Suitable LOHC structures have many physicochemical similarities to diesel. Thus, LOHCs can be handled in the existing infrastructure for liquid fuels, a fact that will greatly facilitate their step-wise introduction both for stationary and mobile applications. We consider LOHCs as a very attractive way to provide energy from wind and sun in continuous or demand-oriented manner to all kind of technical applications. Due to their good energy storage densities (up to 2.1 kWh kg−1), low cost, as well as unproblematic toxicology and handling, we anticipate future applications for LOHC systems that would otherwise remain barred for hydrogen technologies based on high pressure or cryogenic hydrogen.