Synthesis and characterisation of a mesoporous carbon/calcium borohydride nanocomposite for hydrogen storage

Borohydrides with high hydrogen content are being extensively studied as potential hydrogen storage systems placing particular emphasis on upturning their unfavourable kinetic and thermodynamic properties which give rise to significantly high dehydrogenation temperatures and slow hydrogen release far away from the desired application window. In this work the encapsulation of Ca(BH4)2 particles in the pores of a CMK-3 type ordered mesoporous carbon scaffold by wet chemistry routes, also employing the use of TiCl3 as a catalyst, is shown to have a beneficial effect on the hydrogen desorption profile of the bulk hydride by shifting its decomposition to noticeable lower temperatures.

► A simple method for the synthesis of calcium borohydride and mesoporous CMK-3 carbon nano-composites is demonstrated. ► Hydrogen desorption temperature for the calcium borohydride is decreased by more than 100 °C. ► The addition of TiCl3 catalyst leads to hydrogen release at even milder temperature conditions.