Microstructure and desorption properties study of catalyzed NaAlH4

NaAlH4 catalyzed by Ce(SO4)2 and LaCl3 have been studied by PCT (Pressure–Content–Temperature) experiment and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) test method. The results show that doping with Ce(SO4)2 and LaCl3 increases markedly the desorption amount of NaAlH4. In the first desorption stage, NaAlH4 doped with LaCl3 display larger amount of hydrogen release than NaAlH4 doped with Ce(SO4)2, while, the desorption rate of the latter is obviously faster than the former. SEM analysis shows that heating could make NaAlH4 form a kind of porous structure. The further study indicates that different dopants have different effects on the microstructure of NaAlH4.

► The effect of Ce(SO4)2 and LaCl3 on hydrogen storage properties of NaAlH4 has been studied. The results show that different dopants have different effects on the microstructure of NaAlH4.