Hydrogen generation from Mg–LiBH4 hydrolysis improved by AlCl3 addition

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 68; pp. 548 - 554
• Main Authors: Liu, Yongan, Wang, Xinhua, Liu, Haizhen, Dong, Zhaohui, Cao, Guozhou, Yan, Mi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15.04.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: AlCl3; Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen generation; Hydrolysis; Mg–LiBH4 composite; Hydrolysis; Mg–LiBH4 composite; AlCl3; Hydrogen generation; Hydrides; Magnesium; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.01.005

On-site on-demand hydrogen generation from a new Mg–LiBH4–AlCl3 system has been established. The hydrogen yield, mHGR (maximum hydrogen generation rate) and reaction stability can be adjusted by changing the samples' compositions, milling time and water/mixture ratios. The Mg-9 wt.%LiBH4-1 wt.%AlCl3 composite reaches a conversion yield of 87%, corresponding to 1083.5 ml H2 g−1 (composite), and the mHGR is 1256.9 ml min−1 g−1 in 60 min at 298 K. The synergistic effect between Mg and LiBH4 as well as the catalytic effects of LiBH4–AlCl3 additives both contribute to the improved hydrolytic performances. Compared with the hydrolysis of single Mg or Mg–LiBH4 system, the Mg–LiBH4–AlCl3 mixture has greatly improved its hydrogen yield and mHGR. This mixture is promising for its application as portable hydrogen sources. •Improvement of Mg hydrolysis by milling with LiBH4 and AlCl3 is firstly studied.•The synergistic effect between Mg and LiBH4 has been found primarily.•Ball-milling conditions greatly affect the hydrogen generation performances.•Mechanism of the positive effects of LiBH4 and AlCl3 addition is investigated.