Thermal decomposition performance of Ca(BH4)2/LiNH2 mixtures

The thermal decomposition properties of Ca(BH4)2/LiNH2 system were investigated. It was found that the mixtures started to release hydrogen at around 250 °C, but accompanied emission of ammonia at lower temperature was also occurred. XRD results revealed that, after a shot time of ball mining, the Ca(BH4)2/LiNH2 mixtures transferred to unidentified new phases and the decomposed product mainly consists of LiCa4(BN2)3. Further improvement on restraining the ammonia release can be achieved by heating treatment of this composite or addition of LiH to the binary system.

Research highlights▶ Thermal decomposition properties of a combined Ca(BH4)2/LiNH2 system. ▶ The dehydrogenation of Ca(BH4)2/LiNH2 results in the formation of LiCa4(BN2)3. ▶ Further improvement on the dehydrogenation can be achieved by addition of LiH. ▶ The dehydrogenation is based on a combination of BH and NH sources.