A Deeper Understanding of H2 Evolution Entirely from Water via Diborane Hydrolysis

Hydrogen (H2) has drawn extensive attention due to its superior gravimetric capacity density and eco-friendly nature. Nowadays, hydrogen is mainly produced by the steam reforming of natural gas, a process that leads to massive emissions of greenhouse gases. Very recently, H2 evolution upon hydrolysis of diboranes (e.g., B2(OH)4 and B2pin2) is promising because both H atoms of the released H2 are obtained from water. This is different from the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride, dimethylaminoborane, ammonia borane, and tetramethyldisiloxane, where an H2 is generated with only one H atom from H2O and the other one from hydrogen storage materials. Importantly, diborane hydrolysis in D2O could provide an easy and simple method for D2 evolution. In this minireview, an overview of H2 evolution upon diborane hydrolysis with an extraordinary emphasis on the recent developments in mechanism study and applications is presented. The future research emphasis and perspectives of H2 evolution upon diborane hydrolysis have been suggested for commercialization as well.

Automated summary

Hydrogen (H2) is receiving considerable attention due to its high gravimetric capacity density and environmentally friendly nature. The steam reforming of natural gas is the current main method for hydrogen production, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Recently, the hydrolysis of diboranes has shown promise for H2 evolution, as both hydrogen atoms in the released H2 are obtained from water. This review provides an overview of recent developments in the mechanism study and applications of H2 evolution through diborane hydrolysis, and suggests future research focus and perspectives for commercialization.