OneReactor technology: Insights of real H2 charge/discharge cycles via formic acid

The intermittent character of renewable energy sources has promoted the quest for a suitable hydrogen storage where a hydrogen charge/discharge unit could uninterruptedly supply energy via reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation cycles. Herein a OneReactor technology is proposed consisting in using the same unit and catalysts for hydrogen supply and storage via formic acid. The proposed unit was able to perform complete cycle and equilibrium control by varying formic acid/base concentrations without any external supply of gaseous reactants at mild conditions of autogenerated pressure within the unit. • OneReactor technology enables hydrogen storage/supply using a single reactor unit. • Basic media shifts reaction equilibrium towards formic acid formation. • Tris base hinders reaction due to hydroxyl ions blocking active catalyst sites. • Potassium hydrogen carbonate is effective; FA/HCO 3 − ratio controls reaction extent.