The project focuses on accelerating the discovery and development of cost-effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs). The goal is to create a robust and economically viable method for storing and transporting variable renewable energy (like solar and wind) via hydrogen, which is crucial for decarbonizing the energy sector. Key Research Focus and Activities: The LOHC Challenge: Traditional LOHCs often face issues with poor thermochemistry and low hydrogen capacity. Novel Alcohol-Based LOHCs: Our central hypothesis is that alcohol-based LOHCs, such as ethanol, can overcome these limitations. Comprehensive Evaluation: We are rigorously evaluating the discharging and charging catalytic chemistries of ethanol LOHC (thermochemically and electrochemically), developing kinetic models for these reactions, and using these models to assess the techno-economics and sustainability of deploying this system in regional and global supply chains. Discovery Platform: Building on the ethanol insights, we are developing a chemistry-cognizant molecule discovery platform to explore and validate novel alternative alcohol-based LOHCs and assess their economic and environmental impacts against current carriers. Broader Impacts & Team Development: This multidisciplinary project requires expertise from the atomic/molecular to the global scale. Beyond the core research, the project is committed to: Training: Training the next generation of diverse STEM engineers. Mentorship: Mentoring students from underrepresented groups through programs like LSAMP and the AISES student chapter. Community Engagement: Engaging with an Alaskan village and local educators to demonstrate the advantages of these next-generation energy storage and transportation technologies.