Dehydrogenation performance of NH3BH3 with Mg2NiH4 addition

The dehydrogenation performance of NH3BH3 destabilized by Mg2NiH4 was investigated. It was found that the onset dehydrogenation temperature was reduced, and no gaseous by-products were released during the whole decomposition process. This enhanced dehydrogenation performance could be attributed to the destabilization effect of Mg2NiH4. In comparison with the 2NH3BH3/MgH2 sample, the dehydrogenation behavior and destabilization mechanism are different. 4NH3BH3/Mg2NiH4 composite exhibits a three-step decomposition feature. NH3BH3 and Mg2NiH4 decomposed separately. The destabilization effect of Mg2NiH4 on the chemical bonds of NH3BH3 plays a crucial role in the enhanced dehydrogenation performance. Our results provide a new insight on destabilized dehydrogenation behavior of NH3BH3 after metal hydrides addition.

► Dehydrogenation performance of NH3BH3 is enhanced by ball milling with Mg2NiH4.
► No gaseous by-products were released during the whole decomposition process with Mg2NiH4 addition.
► The main cause for dehydrogenation improvements of NH3BH3 is the destabilization effect of Mg2NiH4.