Improved hydrogen storage of LiBH4 and NH3BH3 by catalysts

The research and development of new high capacity hydrogen storage materials is of both academic significance and practical importance. LiBH4 has been attracting extensive attention because of its high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen contents, but its practical applications are hindered by high thermal stability, sluggish kinetics, and relatively high operating temperatures. Doping with catalysts is a key strategy and important research direction to solve these problems. Here, various catalysts and their performances in the dehydrogenation of LiBH4 are summarised. The catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts are also outlined. In addition, NH3BH3 has been drawing much attention due to its high hydrogen capacity and environmental friendliness. Release of hydrogen from NH3BH3 by hydrolysis can proceed at room temperature with appropriate catalysts. The effects of diverse catalysts on the hydrogen evolution of NH3BH3 hydrolysis are also reviewed. Some prospective aspects for research and development of hydrogen storage materials are also proposed in this review.