Title : Hybrid molecular catalysts for industrial-scale H2 production from C1-substrates at near ambient conditions: Opportunities and challenges
Abstract:
Within the context of the forthcoming Hydrogen-Economy, catalytic H2-production under mild, near ambient P, T, conditions from C1-substrates e.g. HCOOH, HCHO, MeOH, represents highly potent technology. A key foreseen challenge is H2-production at high-rates i.e. Kg H2/hour, complying with industrial-scale needs. Formic Acid (HCOOH, FA) has been already identified as an efficient H2-storage carrier, demonstrating that catalytic FA dehydrogenation is currently an advanced H2-production approach. Herein we discuss Hybrid-Catalytic materials based on Transition-Metals-Molecular-Catalysts, demonstrating high performance and selectivity with H2-production rates >>103Lt/Kg catalyst/hour. We will present innovative Hybrid Molecular Catalysts for FA dehydrogenation developed by metal-complex catalysts grafted on appropriate solid matrices, which allow large-volume, continuous production of H2, for several weeks, under ambient P, T. These Hybrid Molecular Catalysts emerge as a next generation technology i.e., when catalysts’ efficiency is asked to be combined with their reusability, cost efficiency and stability. Herein we discuss highly efficient Hybrid Molecular Catalysts associated with nanoparticles, polymers, or fibers for H2 production from HCOOH, HCHO, or CH3OH with zero CO. Mechanistic insights will be highlighted regarding the role of initial Hydride-Metal species formation, the role/need-or-not of cocatalysts, the contribution of the support matrix, the role of inhibitory factors. Finally, we will focus on the techno-economical aspects connected with synthesis routes and key factors as metal precursors, ligands, solvents, additives in order to identify limitations that impede a putative future implementation.
Audience Take Away:
- Hybrid Molecular Materials represent versatile active materials for innovative applications
- Efficient, durable catalytic materials for H2 production are of high interest for research community.
- Catalytic process can gain efficiency, catalysts’ reusability, and stability by using appropriately developed Hybrid Molecular Catalysts
- Specific synthetic challenges posed by large scale H2 production will be discussed, including mechanistic aspects, techno-economical aspects.