High capacity hydrogen generation on-demand from (NH3 + LiAlH4)

Hydrogen storage materials with high capacity are highly desirable. Currently none of the existing storage materials can meet the requirement of motor vehicle applications. We report a new hydrogen storage generation system, LiAlH4 + NH3. The two components are stored in separate containers when there is no demand for hydrogen, while the two components mix, hydrogen can be generated, up to 13 wt.% H2 at ambient temperature, on-demand. The H2 formation is exothermic with a high rate, suggesting that this is unlikely to be a reversible hydrogen storage material. More investigation is needed to improve or to maximize the degree of conversion.