Probing the reaction pathway of dehydrogenation of the LiNH2+LiHmixture using in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy

Using variable temperature in situ H-1 NMR spectroscopy on a mixture of LiNH2 + LiH that was mechanically activated using high-energy ball milling, the dehydrogenation of the LiNH2 + LiH to Li2NH + H-2 Was investigated. The analysis indicates NH3 release at a temperature as low as 30 degrees C and rapid reaction between NH3 and LiH at similar to 150 degrees C. The transition from NH3 release to H-2 appearance accompanied by disappearance of NH3 confirms unambiguously the two-step elementary reaction pathway proposed by other workers. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.