Reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of N-heteroaryl with heterogeneous palladium catalyst for hydrogen storage and transport application

We explore an efficient methodology for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of N-heteroaryl compounds as hydrogen energy transport and storage using Palladium on carbon (Pd/C) catalysts. Pd/C catalyst was used for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of various types of N-heterocyclic compounds. The hydrogenation reaction was also investigated at different temperatures and at different pressures. The complete hydrogenation of quinoline (7.1 wt% hydrogen storage capacity) was achieved at 200 °C and 5 MPa hydrogen pressure within 12 h. The dehydrogenation of decahydroquinoline (DHQ) (6.7 wt% hydrogen release capacity) was achieved at 250 °C temperature. The hydrogen adsorption and releasing capacity reported herein is highest as compared to reported in the literature. We also calculated mole heat and electricity consumption for the reaction. Present methodology, therefore, promises in future, the hydrogen generation, storage, and transport application of LOHC.