Reversible hydrogen storage from 6LiBH4-MCl3 (M = Ce, Gd) composites by in-situ formation of MH2

Different destabilized LiBH₄ systems with several interacting components are being explored for hydrogen storage applications. In this study, hydrogen sorption properties of as-milled 6LiBH₄-MCl₃ composites (M = Ce, Gd) are investigated by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermovolumetric measurements. The chemical interaction between metal halides and LiBH₄ decreases the dehydrogenation temperature in comparison with as-milled LiBH₄. Hydrogen release starts at 220 °C from the decomposition of M(BH₄)₃ formed during milling and proceeds through destabilization of LiBH₄ by in-situ formed MH₂. The dehydrogenation products CeB₆-LiH and GdB₄-LiH can be rehydrided under moderate conditions, i.e 400 °C and 6.0 MPa of hydrogen pressure for 2 h without catalyst. A new 6LiBH₄-CeCl₃-3LiH composite shows promissory hydrogen storage properties via the formation by milling of CeH_2+x. Our study is the first work about reversible hydrogen storage in LiBH₄-MCl₃ composites destabilized by in-situ formed MH₂.