Current Research Progress in Magnesium Borohydride for Hydrogen Storage (A review)

Hydrogen storage in solid-state materials is believed to be a most promising hydrogen-storage technology for high efficiency, low risk and low cost. Mg(BH4)(2) is regarded as one of most potential materials in hydrogen storage areas in view of its high hydrogen capacities (14.9 wt% and 145-147 kg cm(-3)). However, the drawbacks of Mg(BH4)(2) including high desorption temperatures (about 250 degrees C-580 degrees C), sluggish kinetics, and poor reversibility make it difficult to be used for onboard hydrogen storage of fuel cell vehicles. A lot of researches on improving the dehydrogenation reaction thermodynamics and kinetics have been done, mainly including: additives or catalysts doping, nanoconfining Mg(BH4)(2) in nanoporous hosts, forming reactive hydrides systems, multi-cation/anion composites or other derivatives of Mg(BH4)(2). Some favorable results have been obtained. This review provides an overview of current research progress in magnesium borohydride, including: synthesis methods, crystal structures, decomposition behaviors, as well as emphasized performance improvements for hydrogen storage.

Automated summary

Hydrogen storage in solid-state materials is considered to be a promising technology due to its efficiency, low risk and cost. Mg(BH4)2 is a potential material for hydrogen storage, but research has been done to improve its thermodynamics and kinetics due to its drawbacks.