Our research laboratory is dedicated to developing Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology to address the challenges posed by the variability of renewable energy sources and to establish reliable systems for energy storage and transportation. Renewable energy generation, particularly from solar and wind sources, often displays inconsistent production patterns influenced by temporal and geographic factors. Consequently, there is a pressing need for efficient energy storage solutions that can retain surplus electricity for future use. LOHC technology has emerged as a promising method for the safe and economical storage and transportation of hydrogen, particularly suitable for large-scale hydrogen logistics.
The focal point of our research is the advancement of high-performance catalysts for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions associated with LOHC. While conventional catalysts are often utilized in powder form, the progression towards continuous hydrogenation and dehydrogenation systems necessitates the development of structured catalysts, such as beads or pellets. In addition, it is essential to reduce the accumulation of by-products to enhance catalyst longevity and tackle the critical issue of carbon deposition, which can lead to diminished performance. Through these initiatives, we aim to create robust catalysts with superior hydrogen selectivity and to establish efficient mass production methodologies for the commercialization of LOHC technology.
