Effect of light alkanes and aromatics on decalin dehydrogenation over noble metal catalysts: A new strategy for the development of naphthalene-based LOHCs

•Dehydrogenation of decalin was studied with metal active phases and two supports.•Pt/C increased yield, and solvents decreased it due to competitive adsorption.•Kinetic analysis suggests a Langmuir-type mechanism for the pure decalin.•Naphthalene, as well as aromatic solvents cause inhibition.•Decalin:methylcyclohexane ratio was studied: 80/20 is the best for Pt/C catalyst.