How hydrogen can be produced from bio-based formic acid in a continuous process
With annual production of around 1 million metric tons (1.1 million tons), formic acid is one of the most important basic chemicals and is used, among other things, as an additive in the animal feed industry. It is also increasingly attracting attention as an H2 carrier. To date, its production has relied on fossil raw materials, which are to be replaced in the long term by sustainable raw…
Formic acid, a significant chemical used in various industries, has gained attention as a potential carrier for hydrogen (H2). Traditionally produced from fossil raw materials, its production is being shifted towards sustainable sources. Bavarian SME OxFA, the sole producer of formic acid from biomass, has partnered with LIKAT to develop a catalyst enabling hydrogen extraction from biomass-based formic acid under mild conditions.
This marks the second step in the BFH (Biomass–Formic Acid–Hydrogen) process, which aims to produce hydrogen sustainably from biomass.
This two-step process involves producing formic acid from biomass and then using it to generate hydrogen. Various methods to achieve this have been explored, both in separate reaction vessels and in a single vessel. Most require intermediate purification of reaction solutions, but LIKAT's development of a catalyst has simplified this process. The catalyst, made from modified ruthenium complexes, can handle both commercial and biogenic formic acid in diluted aqueous solutions.
A key challenge in this process is managing water content, as it can hinder reaction efficiency. LIKAT has addressed this by using a two-phase system, where water and catalyst remain in one phase while formic acid is in another. This allows for selective removal of water without losing catalyst components. The process operates at 65°C, which is suitable for low-temperature fuel cells.
The researchers tested their process at OxFA's pilot plant in Bavaria, achieving a stable run time of over 820 hours and producing approximately 30 cubic meters of hydrogen. This breakthrough could significantly contribute to sustainable energy concepts, particularly with the high activity of the catalyst at 65°C.
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