(699b) Exploration of Novel Catalysts for Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane

Global energy demand has intensified as the economies and population of the world continue to expand. By 2050, an increase of at least 80% in energy demand has been estimated¹. In other words, global energy security lies in the conservation of existing fossil fuel resources and the development of sustainable power sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cell and hydrogen power systems. To replace fossil fuels, the advancement of alternative and sustainable energy resources, such as hydrogen, should be considered as a leading Net Zero technology option. Using hydrogen energy possesses the advantages of being renewable and environmentally friendly (no carbon dioxide emission during combustion). However, the storage and transportation of hydrogen are challenging. Hydrogen, a gas under ambient conditions, requires costly liquefication/compression procedures. Recently, a reversible hydrogenation-dehydrogenation cycle of hydrocarbons for hydrogen storage and delivery has attracted attention because it offers high hydrogen storage density, low cost, and recyclability. Researchers focus mainly on developing highly active metals for dehydrogenation², which is a more complicated reaction. The supports also play a critical role in catalyst properties, especially the coke resistance.

In the present work, platinum-based catalysts for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane to toluene were investigated at reaction temperature range of 200-400 °C. Different supports, such as titanium dioxide, yttrium oxide, and aluminum oxide, were explored to evaluate the activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalyst. Coke formation on the spent catalyst was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Furthermore, low-cost second metals (e.g., Nickel, Tin, Copper, and Zinc) as a promoter were also considered. The findings will be helpful in reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels and further developing clean, hydrogen-based energy technologies.

Reference

¹F. Wang et al. (2021) The Innovation, 2 (4): 100180.

²P. T. Aaldto-Saksa et al. (2018) Journal of Power Sources, 396: 803-823.