Hydrogen storage in destabilized chemical systems

We describe approaches for modifying the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen sorption reactions in light-metal hydrides. Thermodynamic destabilization is achieved using additives that form new compounds during dehydrogenation. This lowers the enthalpy and increases the equilibrium pressure. We review current research in this area, emphasizing destabilization reactions involving LiBH4. We also describe the use of nano-engineering approaches for reducing diffusion distances and increasing surface area, thereby increasing the hydrogen exchange rate. We focus on improving reaction rates by incorporating metal hydrides into nanoporous scaffolds. (c) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.