Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Identification and Quantification of Decomposition Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries; Input to Heat Flow Simulation for Modeling Thermal Runaway
Published on: March 7, 2022
Pressure and temperature dependence of the decomposition pathway of LiBH4
Yigang Yan1, Arndt Remhof, Son-Jong Hwang
1EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Hydrogen & Energy, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland. yigang.yan@empa.ch
Abstract:
The decomposition pathway is crucial for the applicability of LiBH(4) as a hydrogen storage material. We discuss and compare the different decomposition pathways of LiBH(4) according to the thermodynamic parameters and show the experimental ways to realize them. Two pathways, i.e. the direct decomposition into boron and the decomposition via Li(2)B(12)H(12), were realized under appropriate conditions, respectively. By applying a H(2) pressure of 50 bar at 873 K or 10 bar at 700 K, LiBH(4) is forced to decompose into Li(2)B(12)H(12). In a lower pressure range of 0.1 to 10 bar at 873 K and 800 K, the concurrence of both decomposition pathways is observed. Raman spectroscopy and (11)B MAS NMR measurements confirm the formation of an intermediate Li(2)B(12)H(12) phase (mostly Li(2)B(12)H(12) adducts, such as dimers or trimers) and amorphous boron.
Related Concept Videos
Electrophilic Addition of HX to 1,3-Butadiene: Thermodynamic vs Kinetic Control
Hess's Law
Enthalpy and Heat of Reaction
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Le Chatelier's Principle: Changing Temperature
To understand this phenomenon, consider the elementary reaction:
Phase Diagram
