Naphthalene and its derivatives hydrogenation for hydrogen storage: Comparative analysis of the role of noble and non-noble metal catalysts – A review

The development of low-cost and safe hydrogen storage systems is a priority when creating new energy sources. Storing hydrogen in chemical compounds in which it occurs naturally is the only alternative. Aromatic hydrocarbons, capable of reversible hydrogenation–dehydrogenation reactions, are of the greatest interest among regenerated hydrogen-containing compounds and can be used for hydrogen storage. Naphthalene, its methyl derivatives and the products of hydrogenation have the high storage density among the aromatic hydrocarbons (up to 7.3 wt%) which make it the extremely perspective as liquid hydrogen storage carriers. Therefore, the synthesis of the compounds with the higher added value (as decalin) is a highly important from scientific point of view. However, for the building up of "ideal" chemical system of hydrogen storage the development of effective catalytic systems with the composition and morphology adopted to the structure of aromatic substrate is highly needed. This review discusses the role of the metal in the catalytic hydrogenation of naphthalene and its derivatives for hydrogen storage.