Advances in the electrochemical regeneration of aluminum hydride

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 106; no. 3; pp. 545 - 550
• Main Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez, Michael J., García-Díaz, Brenda L., Teprovich, Joseph A., Knight, Douglas A., Zidan, Ragaiy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.03.2012; Springer
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydrogen; Machines; Manufacturing; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; TEDA; LiCl; Aprotic Solvent; Electrochemical Synthesis; Lithium Chloride; Solvent effect; Aluminium hydride; Cyclic voltammetry; Electrocatalysis; Hydrogen storage; Electrolysis; Nyquist diagram; Electrochemical method; Dendrite
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-011-6647-y

In previous work, a reversible cycle that uses electrolysis and catalytic hydrogenation of spent Al (s) for the regeneration of alane (AlH 3 ) was reported. In this study, the electrochemical synthesis of alane is improved. Advances in the electrochemical regeneration of alane have been achieved via the use of lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH 4 ) and lithium chloride (LiCl). Lithium chloride reacts in a cyclic process and functions as an electro-catalytic additive that enhances the electrochemical process by increasing the cell efficiency and the alane production. Electrochemical techniques are used to show that the increased rate of alane generation is due to the electro-catalytic effect of lithium chloride, rather than an electrolyte enhanced effect.