In situ hybridization of LiNH2-LiH-Mg(BH4)2 nano-composites: intermediate and optimized hydrogenation properties

Nano-composites of LiNH2-LiH-xMg(BH4)(2) (0 <= x <= 2) were prepared by plasma metal reaction followed by a nucleation growth method. Highly reactive LiNH2-LiH hollow nanoparticles offered a favorable nucleus during a precipitation process of liquid Mg(BH4)(2)center dot OEt2. The electron microscopy results suggested that more than 90% of the obtained nano-composites were in the range 200-400 nm. Because of the short diffusion distance and ternary mixture self-catalyzing effect, this material possesses enhanced hydrogen (de) sorption attributes, including facile low-temperature kinetics, impure gases attenuation and partial reversibility. The optimal hydrogen storage properties were found at the composition of LiNH2-LiH-0.5Mg(BH4)(2), which was tentatively attributed to a Li-4(NH2)(2)(BH4)(2) intermediate. 5.3 wt% hydrogen desorption could be recorded at 150 degrees C, with the first 2.2 wt% release being reversible. This work suggests that controlled in situ hybridization combined with formula optimization can improve hydrogen storage properties.