(204j) Thermophysical Suitability of Terphenyl for Hydrogen Storage

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) are an interesting option for the storage of hydrogen via the reversible hydrogenation of aromatic compounds. Terphenyls have might by a new class of materials in this respect.

Terphenyl usually consist of a mixture of three isomers, which can be hydrogenated reversibly to their respective saturated derivatives.

However, despite its promising chemical and thermodynamic properties its physical properties, especially its high melting point, is disadvantageous compared to conventional LOHC materials like dibenzyltoluene. Nevertheless, mixtures of isomers or with small amounts of other LOHC materials can achieve reasonable physical properties.

In this contribution the feasibility of hydrogen storage using terphenyl as a LOHC is evaluated with respect to its physical properties. The focus is set on the effect on the ease of handling. Hence, important properties are melting point and viscosity. The properties are analyzed and compared to other LOHCs like N‑ethylcarbazole and dibenzyltoluene.