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Controllable decomposition of Ca(BH4)2 for reversible hydrogen storage
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. yigang.yan@inano.au.dk and EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
Calcium borohydride (Ca(BH4)2) can store 9.6 wt% hydrogen. This study details two methods to form calcium boride (CaB6) during Ca(BH4)2 decomposition, crucial for reversible hydrogen storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Hydrogen Storage
Background:
- Reversible hydrogen storage is critical for clean energy technologies.
- Calcium borohydride (Ca(BH4)2) shows potential for high hydrogen storage capacity.
- The formation of specific byproducts during dehydrogenation impacts rehydrogenation efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for forming calcium boride (CaB6) from Ca(BH4)2 decomposition.
- To identify conditions favoring CaB6 formation over other boron species.
- To optimize Ca(BH4)2 for reversible hydrogen storage.
Main Methods:
- Experimental decomposition of Ca(BH4)2 at different temperatures.
- Analysis of decomposition pathways and byproduct formation.
- Characterization of solid residues to identify CaB6.
Main Results:
- Two distinct experimental protocols for CaB6 formation were reported.
- Decomposition below the melting point (350 °C) proceeds via CaB2H6 to yield CaB6.
- Decomposition above the melting point (400 °C) proceeds via elemental boron to yield CaB6.
Conclusions:
- The formation of CaB6 is essential for the reversible hydrogen storage of Ca(BH4)2.
- Controlling decomposition temperature influences the intermediate pathway and final CaB6 product.
- These findings provide pathways for developing efficient Ca(BH4)2-based hydrogen storage materials.
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