Solid-state thermolysis of ammonia borane and related materials for high-capacity hydrogen storage

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is a unique molecular crystal containing an intriguingly high density of hydrogen. In the past several years, AB has received extensive attention as a promising hydrogen storage medium. Several strategies have been successfully developed for promoting H-2 release and for suppressing the evolution of volatile by-products from the solid-state thermolysis of AB. Several potentially cost-effective and energy-efficient routes for regenerating AB from the spent fuels have been experimentally demonstrated. These remarkable technological advances offer a promising prospect of using AB-based materials as viable H-2 carriers for on-board application. In this perspective, the recent progresses in promoting H-2 release from the solid-state thermolysis of AB and in developing regeneration technologies are briefly reviewed.