| Abstract: | Mobile applications of hydrogen power have long demanded new solid hydride materials with large hydrogen storage capacities. We report synthesis of a new quaternary hydride having the approximate composition Li(3)BN(2)H(8) with 11.9 wt % theoretical hydrogen capacity. It forms by reacting LiNH(2) and LiBH(4) powders in a 2:1 molar ratio either by ball milling or by heating the mixed powders above 95 degrees C. This new quaternary hydride melts at approximately 190 degrees C and releases > or =10 wt % hydrogen above approximately 250 degrees C. A small amount of ammonia (2-3 mol % of the generated gas) is released simultaneously. Preliminary calorimetric measurements suggest that hydrogen release is exothermic and, hence, not easily reversible. |
