Methyl Cyclohexane for H2 Storage
In March, the Queensland University of Technology [QUT] made history when it achieved the first export of a small quantity of clean, green hydrogen produced in Australia from renewable energy, to Japanese energy giant JXTG – proving that it was in fact possible.
The actors involved; JXTG, is Japan’s largest petroleum conglomerate. QUT provided solar panels that can work with salt water. The second link above also says:
“[H2] was created by adding water and acid to a chemical called toluene in an electrochemical process using solar energy. The toluene was converted into a substance called methyl cyclohexane (MCH) using JXTG’s process powered by QUT’s solar arrays”.
Methyl cyclohexane is apparently a convenient carrier for H2, as liquid and at normal temparatures.
“Methyl cyclohexane is a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 25°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air”.
On the receiving end,
“Once shipped to Japan, the MCH was converted back to toluene and the hydrogen extracted for use in a suitable fuel cell or vehicle. The toluene is then available for re-use in the transportation cycle.”
Australia has the sunshine, ports, expertise and logistics in transportation. The process described above uses a proprietry tech developed by JXTG. If I was a country with lots of sunshine, I’d invite them to set up shop in my country, let them produce, export H2 (to themselves in Japan) from sunshine, tax their ass, and use the money for whatever. U’d literally be making money out of thin air.