LOHC, Toloune
The LOHC (liquid organic hydrogen carrier) concept is a capable technology for supplying hydrogen refuelling stations due to its high hydrogen storage densities (57 $kg_{H2} m_{LOHC}^{-3}$) and easy handling (liquid, low toxicity, low flammability). …
The LOHC technology is based on the chemical bonding of hydrogen to liquid organic carriers, which are mostly aromatic hydrocarbons or heterocyclic substances. …
In contrast to some other chemical hydrogen storage processes, these reactions are reversible. The carrier molecule is cycled between a loaded and unloaded state. … The most technically advanced concept, which is pursued by Hydrogenious Technologies, is based on the use of the common heat transfer oil dibenzyltoluene, which is available in large quantities and is not classified as a dangerous good.
Compared to other technologies that store hydrogen at temperatures of -253 °C or at pressures up to 500 bar, using LOHC technology greatly reduces the cost of handling hydrogen. Transport and storage costs account for up to 70 % of the total cost of hydrogen supply using traditional high pressure or cryogenic hydrogen storage technologies.
The hydrogen-rich or loaded LOHC (LOHC+) can be transported via standard tank trucks to the hydrogen refueling stations, which are equipped with a dehydrogenation system. There, the hydrogen can be produced as needed and then integrated into the existing hydrogen refueling station technology. The German Climate Action Plan of 2050 acknowledges that LOHC technology has considerable potential for establishing hydrogen as a fuel.