Enhanced hydrogen sorption properties in the LiBH4–MgH2 system catalysed by Ru nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The LiBH4–MgH2 system has a high reversible hydrogen storage capacity. However, the hydrogen de/absorption kinetics has to be further enhanced for its practical application. Motivated by the possibility that the metal catalysts facilitating the dissociation and combination of hydrogen molecules and activating Mg–H and B–H bonds, a novel catalyst, ruthenium nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Ru/C) is prepared and its effect on the hydrogen sorption properties of LiBH4–MgH2 systems is investigated. The experimental results show that the Ru/C catalyst is active in reducing the dehydrogenation temperature and enhancing the dehydrogenation kinetics. Furthermore, the reversible capacity is also markedly enhanced under moderate conditions, and the catalytically enhanced hydrogen absorption capacity persists well during three de/rehydrogenation cycles.

Research highlights
► Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes as catalyst.
► Catalysing the LiBH4–MgH2 system with improved hydrogen storage properties.
► Hydrogen de/absorption test revealed a significant increase in the rate of de/absorption as well as the weight percentage of hydrogen absorbed with catalyst.