Synthesis and dehydriding process of crystalline Ce(BH4)3

The synthesis of a new borohydride with a theoretical hydrogen capacity of 6 5 wt% is reported. Both XRD and FTIR studies demonstrate that Ce(BH4)(3) is obtained from mechanochemical reaction between CeCl3 and LiBH4. Dehydriding properties of Ce(BH4)(3) were investigated using XRD, DSC and volumetry using a Sievert-type device. Thermal decomposition of Ce(BH4)(3) led to 3 5 wt% hydrogen release in a multi-step process, involving an unknown intermediate compound and CeH2 It was observed that Ce(BH4)(3) IS partially reversible under 6 MPa of H-2 at 350 degrees C and absorbs 28% of the total hydrogen capacity obtained experimentally. The activation energy of Ce(BH4)(3) decomposition is 136 kJ mol(-1). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.