Methylcyclohexane Dehydrogenation-A Convenient Way for Hydrogen Storage

With oil reserves in decline, nations require alternative energy supplies that are not only sustainable and economical, but benign to the environment. A hydrogen based energy system is considered one among the possible alternatives. Cheap and safe storage of hydrogen is probably the greatest hurdle to the success of the hydrogen economy. The Methylcyclohexane-Toluene-Hydrogen (MTH) system is a safe and economical way of storage and “on-board” hydrogen generation. Also, the existing motor fuel infrastructure can effectively be utilized for transportation and dispensation of liquid methylcyclohexane. Commercial catalysts as well as in-house were studied for the best results regard to the dehydrogenation reaction. The in-house catalyst was found not only highly active, selective towards toluene, but also with acceptable life. Kinetic analyzes of the data were carried out for the mechanistic study of reaction and development of a suitable kinetic model. The various “trade-offs” between catalyst activity, selectivity, lifetime and heat transfer characteristics on overall performance require optimization underpinned by a mathematical model of the whole reactor system.