Environmental assessment of a hydrogen supply chain using LOHC system with novel low-PGM catalysts: A life cycle approach

Abstract

Hydrogen has emerged as a key element in the transition to a sustainable energy model. Among hydrogen storage and transport technologies, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) stand out as a promising alternative for large-scale, long-term use. Catalysts, essential in these systems, are usually composed of platinum group metals (PGMs) over alumina, known for their high cost and scarcity. This study analyzes the overall environmental impact of the LOHC benzyltoluene/perhydro-benzyltoluene-based hydrogen supply chain by means of the life cycle assessment (LCA), focusing on the synthesis processes of novel low-PGM catalysts, which remain underexplored in existing literature. The results identify dehydrogenation as the most impactful step due to significant heat consumption, and highlight the substantial environmental footprint associated with the use of platinum in catalyst production. This research provides crucial insights into the environmental implications of LOHC systems, particularly the role of novel low-PGM catalysts, and offers guidance for their future large-scale applications. • Environmental assessment is essential for the sustainable development of catalysts. • Platinum content in catalysts is the main contributor to their environmental impact. • Importance of integrating catalysts in the environmental analysis of LOHC technology. • Dehydrogenation is the most impactful step of the LOHC hydrogen supply chain.