(163l) Synthesis of Complex Hydride Reversible Hydrogen Storage Materials

A new synthesis route for complex hydride reversible hydrogen storage materials has been devised. This new route has been demonstrated with the complex hydrides, sodium aluminum hydride and lithium aluminum hydride. For example, it was used to synthesis sodium aluminum hydride and lithium aluminum hydride from NaH and Al powder and LiH and Al powder, respectively. The unique feature of this route is that it enables the synthesis of these complex hydride materials at room temperature and at relatively low hydrogen pressures. The outcome achieved using this new synthesis process is the lowest temperature, lowest pressure route for making these two complex hydrides known to date. This procedure is amenable to fostering the synthesis of other higher hydrogen capacity complex hydrides, like other alanates and boronates. The use of hydrogen for transportation and stationary applications may become more feasible because this synthesis method makes the a complex hydride much more economical, as it uses inexpensive reagents and milder synthesis conditions.