Corrosion characteristics of LiBH4 film exposed to a CO2/H2O/O2/N2 mixture

LiBH4 films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition using a LiB target in a background pressure of hydrogen. The corrosion characteristics of LiBH4 films were measured by exposing them to a gas mixture of CO2/H2O/O2/N2 at ambient temperature for 1–24 h. Scanning electron microscopy images show some cracks on the surface of corrosion films, which could act as easy paths for H2O and CO2 to further react with Li+ and B3+. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results and theoretical analysis show that LiBH4 tends to react with H2O and CO2 to form Li2B4O7, Li2CO3 and LiOH during the corrosion process.

Research highlights
► The corrosion of LiBH4 was first investigated in this paper.
► C element displayed a ring shape distribution on the surface.
► Coarse surface was formed during the corrosion process.
► Li2B4O7, Li2CO3 and LiOH were formed during the corrosion process of LiBH4.
► The thermodynamic analysis was consisted with the experimental result.