Inexpensive and decentralized process for H2 production from waste biomass
The goal is clearly defined: Germany is to become climate-neutral by 2045. Within this project, the low-emission production and use of H2 plays a central role. The proven thermochemical processes for H2 production from biogenic sources run under demanding process conditions. The FAIR-H2 junior research group at the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg is therefore researching an alternative, decentralized process chain that can be carried out under milder conditions. The aim is to develop modified heterogeneous catalysts and reaction processes that exhibit stable activity in the continuous production of hydrogen from aqueous formic acid. Furthermore, decentralized purification processes for the mixed gas streams produced are to be developed.
From biogenic residues to pure H2
In a first process step, biomass is converted into formic acid using an already established oxidation process. The formic acid is then converted into H2 and CO2. The focus here is on two process routes. In dehydrogenation, the formic acid is converted directly into H2 and CO2. In the two-step process route, the formic acid is first dehydrated and the H2O and CO produced are converted to CO2 and H2 via a water-gas shift reaction (WGS). The research focus in both variants is the development of modified heterogeneous catalysts with stable activity in the continuous and coupled process.
A high level of gas purity is required for the use of biogenic H2 in energy applications, e.g. PEM fuel cells. In order to enable the overall concept of a decentralized technology for the provision of pure H2, a new purification process is also being developed in the project. The cyclic purification method is based on the separation of H2 from a mixed gas stream (containing CO2, CO, H2O, etc.) through the selective, catalytic binding of H2 to a carrier liquid. This is followed by the separation of the impurities remaining in the gas phase and then the catalytic release of the pure H2 from the carrier liquid. For this project, novel carrier liquids and catalytic systems that enable stable operation are being investigated.
For a subsequent economic implementation, the efficiency of the new process route for H2 production from biomass is essential. For this reason, the individual process steps and the overall concept will be simulated alongside the experimental investigations and evaluated with profitability and sustainability considerations. Finally, the process is to be tested under real conditions as part of the project by operating a technical demonstration plant for hydrogen production from biomass waste.
Biogenic H2 as a enabler for a future-proof energy sector
In cooperation with the medium-sized companies OxFA GmbH and Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH, the new technologies for decentralized hydrogen production and purification are to be developed to market maturity. Decentralized energy supply and the increased use of locally available biogenic raw materials will strengthen regional economic cycles. This offers new economic prospects for rural areas in particular. Furthermore, the researched process enables the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helps to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral economy and society. Diversification in the energy sector also reduces dependence on fossil fuels and geopolitical factors.
