Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier: A Breakthrough in Hydrogen Storage
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology represents a significant advancement in the storage and transport of hydrogen, addressing many of the challenges associated with hydrogen’s physical properties. Hydrogen, in its conventional forms—pressurized gas or cryogenic liquid—requires either extremely high pressures or very low temperatures, both of which necessitate specialized infrastructure and complex handling. LOHC technology overcomes these barriers by enabling hydrogen to be chemically bonded to stable organic liquids, making storage and transportation considerably safer, more practical, and cost-effective.
The Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier technology offers a promising pathway for overcoming the logistical challenges of hydrogen deployment, supporting the shift toward cleaner energy systems while leveraging existing infrastructure for large-scale, safe, and efficient hydrogen storage and transport.
LOHCs are typically organic compounds that absorb hydrogen through a chemical process called hydrogenation and release it through dehydrogenation. In the hydrogenation step, the carrier molecule (often an aromatic compound) is saturated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, usually at temperatures of 150–200°C and under high pressure. This hydrogen-rich liquid can then be transported and stored at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure—using conventional infrastructure, such as oil tankers, railcars, or fuel storage tanks—without the risk of hydrogen leakage or the need for cryogenic cooling. When hydrogen is needed at the point of use, the LOHC undergoes dehydrogenation at elevated temperatures (250–320°C), again in the presence of a catalyst, releasing high-purity hydrogen for consumption in mobility, electricity generation, or industrial processes. The hydrogen-lean LOHC can then be cycled back for re-hydrogenation, creating a closed-loop system.
One of the key benefits of LOHC technology is its high energy density and safety compared to traditional hydrogen storage methods. LOHCs are typically non-toxic, non-explosive, and stable, allowing for easy integration into existing logistics and distribution networks. They also don’t require constant venting or boil-off management, as is necessary for liquid or compressed hydrogen. Additionally, because the carrier remains liquid at room temperature and pressure, it can be handled similarly to conventional fuels, improving operational flexibility and reducing costs associated with specialized equipment.
LOHC technology is already being demonstrated in international hydrogen supply chains, supporting the advancement of a global hydrogen economy. Projects in Japan and Europe have successfully shipped hydrogen using LOHCs over long distances, highlighting the scalability and practicality of this approach. Furthermore, ongoing research is focused on improving catalyst efficiency, reducing energy requirements for hydrogen release, and developing new carrier molecules with higher hydrogen storage capacity and better reversibility.