The homogeneous catalytic reduction of CO2 with hydrogen gas from renewable sources can contribute to solve some of the major challenges in energy storage and delivery. Formic acid, the first hydrogenation product of CO2, can serve as a renewable hydrogen source [1-2]. Methanol has also been proposed as liquid organic chemical carrier in sustainable hydrogen storage, besides being a direct fuel. We have shown that the hydrogenation of CO2 to HCOOH can be carried out at ambient temperatures and in aqueous solution, without additives, in homogeneous catalytic reactions [3]. The disproportionation of HCOOH into methanol can be realized at ambient temperature and in aqueous, acidic solution in a homogeneous catalytic reaction. In acidified solutions the disproportionation results in complete (98%), selective (96%) formic acid conversion into methanol [4]. For hydrogen delivery, HCOOH can be selectively decomposed into CO2 and hydrogen [5]. Beside ruthenium catalysts, iron(II) complexes also catalyse HCOOH cleavage with high rate and efficiency [6]. Methanol is also used as hydrogen source, in low-temperature aqueous-phase dehydrogenation processes.

Carbon dioxide as hydrogen vector - the key compounds in storage and delivery: Formic acid and methanol

254th National Meeting (2017)

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