Cubic metallic phase of aluminum hydride showing improved hydrogen desorption

We report on our results calculated from density functional theory and GW of the dehydrogenation properties in a cubic phase of AlH3. The metallic nature of the electronic structure entails a more favorable hydrogen removal energy which is lowered by 75% compared to the insulating hexagonal phase. This remarkable reduction in the Al-H bond strength bears important consequences for feasible applications of AlH3 as an on-board hydrogen storage material for mobile applications. We suggest that the cubic phase could be prepared and stabilized experimentally at ambient pressure by off-board quenching. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.