Polyoxymethylene ethers as attractive hydrogen transport vectors? - Concept evaluation and steam reforming investigations

Kroll F, Geißelbrecht M, Schühle P (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Elsevier

Book Volume: 275

Article Number: 157502

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.157502

Abstract

The efficient and safe transportation of renewable hydrogen remains a major challenge. Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEs) might be promising hydrogen transport vectors due to their liquid state at ambient conditions, low toxicity and high technical hydrogen capacity. However, two major bottlenecks for their application are identified: the direct synthesis of OMEs from CO2 and H2 and the catalytic steam reforming of OMEs for hydrogen release, which remains largely unexplored. A hydrogen transport cycle based on OME1 is proposed and compared with methanol and dimethyl ether regarding technical and energetic characteristics. Experimentally, OME1–3 steam reforming is investigated over In2O3/ZrO2 catalysts. High OME conversion, hydrogen yield and long-term stability over 380 h on stream are achieved. OME hydrolysis is facilitated compared with dimethyl ether and requires no additional acidic catalyst. For the first time, OME2 and OME3 are successfully steam-reformed with comparable rates and stability to OME1.

Authors with CRIS profile

Patrick Schühle Lehrstuhl für Chemische Reaktionstechnik (CRT)

Involved external institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Kroll, F., Geißelbrecht, M., & Schühle, P. (2026). Polyoxymethylene ethers as attractive hydrogen transport vectors? - Concept evaluation and steam reforming investigations. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.157502

MLA:

Kroll, Fabian, Michael Geißelbrecht, and Patrick Schühle. "Polyoxymethylene ethers as attractive hydrogen transport vectors? - Concept evaluation and steam reforming investigations." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 275 (2026).

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