Iridium-Catalyzed Continuous Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid and Its Subsequent Utilization in a Fuel Cell: Toward a Carbon Neutral Chemical Energy Storage

Abstract

This study represents a notable step toward a potentially carbon neutral energy storage solution based on formic acid as a hydrogen/ energy carrier. A catalytic system derived from IrCl 3 and 1,3-bis(2′-pyridylimino)-isoindoline (IndH) in the presence of aqueous sodium formate showed high selectivity and robustness for hydrogen generation from formic acid (FA) at 90−100 °C under both high and moderate pressure conditions suppressing the formation of CO impurity. Being a solid substance, the catalyst can be recovered by a simple filtration, if necessary. Furthermore, addition of neat formic acid is sufficient to reuse the catalyst and maintain a constant flow of H 2 and CO 2 mixture and the stable performance of a coupled fuel cell. The easy to recycle catalyst did not show any loss of activity after 20 days of continuous use, and similar activity was observed even a year after the original preparation. The reactor for formic acid decomposition provided a one to one ratio of a H 2 /CO 2 mixture that was coupled to a hydrogen/air proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell to demonstrate a stable and continuous conversion of chemical energy to electricity. This integrated system embodies the first example of an indirect formic acid fuel cell, which can function, without the requirement of applying inert conditions and feed gas purification, for extended periods of time.

Development of Effective Catalysts for Hydrogen Storage Technology Using Formic Acid

“…In addition, although some catalysts that have attained the generation of high-pressure hydrogen (e.g., 75 MPa by Laurenczy [38] ) have been reported, [58,102,103] there is a lack of catalyst with longterm activity of at least 8000 h for a successful application of hydrogen station in future. In the section of homogeneous catalysts, we achieved the development of the effective catalysts for CO 2 hydrogenation which showed high activity even under a mild condition (at 25 °C, pressure of H 2 /CO 2 gases was 0.1 MPa).…”

An Insight on the Electrocatalytic Mechanistic Study of Pristine Ni MOF (BTC) in Alkaline Medium for Enhanced OER and UOR

“…[15,20] Methanol, ammonia and urea offer an easy way to store hydrogen as a low cost chemical in industrial scale as well as urea is found in fertilizers and municipal waste water from human/animal urine. [22][23][24][25]28] Similar to OER in WE, Ni based catalysts such as nano sized nickel, LaNiO 3 , NiÀFe double hydroxide, Ni 2 P, Ni(OH) 2 , Ni nanoparticles decorated NiFe double hydroxide, Ni x Mn y O 4 show catalytic activity towards UOR. [23][24][25][26][27] Because of its lower energy consumption, wider availability, renewability, non-flammability and non-toxic nature, UE enables H 2 production from the urea rich waste water and animals excreta.…”

“…[1,2] Water electrolysis (WE) has been considered as a promising way to produce high pure H 2 than compared to earlier hydrocarbon and steam reformation process. [1,2] Water electrolysis (WE) has been considered as a promising way to produce high pure H 2 than compared to earlier hydrocarbon and steam reformation process.…”

“…[1,2] Water electrolysis (WE) has been considered as a promising way to produce high pure H 2 than compared to earlier hydrocarbon and steam reformation process. [2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] In water electrolysis, anodic 4e À transfer oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the limiting factor than compared to cathodic 2e À transfer hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). [2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] In water electrolysis, anodic 4e À transfer oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the limiting factor than compared to cathodic 2e À transfer hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).…”

Hidrogén tárolása homogén katalitikus kémiai rendszerekben

“…1) proved to be a highly active and durable catalyst which showed unchanged activity even after 370 days (Fig. 2) 15 . Conversely, for dehydrogenation of Na-formate (in THF-water mixtures) Ru(II)-pincer complexes, such as 3 (Fig 3) were synthetized 16 .…”