What is LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier)?

Source: | · AYRTON ENERGY · | June 11, 2025

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy source, but one of its biggest challenges lies in how it’s stored and transported. That’s where LOHCs—Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers—come in. LOHC is a technology that allows hydrogen to be chemically bonded to a liquid carrier, making it safer and more efficient to handle. Unlike compressed or cryogenic hydrogen, LOHCs remain in liquid form at ambient temperature and pressure, enabling the use of existing fuel infrastructure. 

A Brief History of LOHC Technology 

The concept of LOHC dates back to the 1970s, when scientists began exploring organic compounds capable of reversible hydrogenation—binding and releasing hydrogen through chemical reactions. However, early solutions were hampered by high energy requirements and slow reaction kinetics.

It wasn’t until the 2000s that LOHCs began gaining serious traction, with improvements in catalyst design and thermodynamics. Academic institutions and energy companies in Germany, Japan, and South Korea led much of the early research and pilot projects. Notably, the compound toluene emerged as a popular LOHC molecule due to its thermal stability and safety profile.

Where LOHC is Used Today

LOHCs are being tested and implemented globally in pilot projects, especially in regions looking to scale hydrogen production and distribution. Germany is one of the most recognized players, using toluene-based systems for stationery and transport applications.