In the transformation of the energy sector, with a move away from fossil fuels to more renewable options, hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role. The demand for hydrogen will continue to increase in the future, which is why storage and tal2ransport is a key issue. In this context, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) represent a promising alternative to conventional storage technologies, as they exhibit high energy densities as well as low safety risks during transport and storage.
The LOHC technology is based on a reaction of hydrogen with a low-hydrogen LOHC compound, in which the hydrogen is reversibly bound to the storage molecule. If required, the hydrogen can be released. Pt/Al2O3 catalysts are mostly used in this dehydrogenation step.
A new publication from Chair I of Technical Chemistry addresses additive manufacturing (3D printing) of Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for the dehydrogenation of perhydro-dibenzyltoluene (DBT). The two processes, extrusion-based direct ink writing and powder-based binder jetting, are compared in detail to evaluate their respective advantages and disadvantages for catalyst forming. The study highlights the importance of catalyst shaping to meet individual process requirements.
[1] Bui, Hanh My, et al. "Comparison of Direct Ink Writing and Binder Jetting for additive manufacturing of Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for the dehydrogenation of perhydro-dibenzyltoluene." Chemical Engineering Journal (2023): 141361.