Single catalyst for reversible hydrogen storage and release « in-from » methanol carrier – SinCare-H2

The energy transition needs to rethink our methods of producing and storing energy. Renewable energies only provide a partial solution because they produce electricity intermittently when conditions permit (photovoltaic and wind energy). The absence of large-scale electricity storage requires to select easily transportable and storable energy vectors able to produce electrical energy on demand. Hydrogen fulfills these conditions but its low density makes its large-scale storage problematic. Chemical storage of hydrogen using small liquid organic molecules such as methanol is a desirable solution (LOHCs as Liquid Hydrogen Carriers). Methanol, easy to transport, has an hydrogen (H2) energetic density three times higher than hydrogen compressed at 700 bars.
The challenge proposed by SinCare-H2 project consists in the hydrogen storage - release cycle using a single catalyst with methanol as a reservoir.
In the hydrogen storage step, SinCare-H2 project aims at the synthesis of methanol by hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. In the hydrogen release step, SinCare-H2 project targets the methanol dehydrogenation reaction in water. The overall process is carbon neutral.
SinCare-H2 brings together experts in the synthesis and reactivity of transition metals (LCC Toulouse), in homogeneous catalysis (ISC Rennes), and in theoretical chemistry (IPREM Pau).
Our synthetic and catalytic experimental studies will be supported by theoretical calculations carried out at the highest level in order to select the best catalysts.
Implementation of a hydrogen storage/transport/release process, with methanol as a reservoir, transposable to industry is the long-term development that we can expect from this SinCare-H2 project.