Hydrogen Production From Deliquescence of Ammonia Borane

Chemical hydride is one of the most potential hydrogen storage materials which can effectively increase hydrogen storage capacity. To meet the new goal of U.S. department of energy (DoE), 4.5wt% and 5.5 wt% of gravimetric hydrogen density capacity by 2010 and 2015, respectively, ammonia borane (AB) is an attractive material due to high intrinsic hydrogen density (i.e. 19.6 wt%). Such a high intrinsic hydrogen density increases the possibility to apply to be the on-board power source of vehicle system, not only for 3C electric product.

In this study, hydrogen evolution from hydrolysis of ammonia borane in limiting water conditions is studied. The solid composite of ammonia borane hydrogen fuel is synthesized with pulverized catalyst through the high energy ball milling process. Various parameters such as the amount of water dosage, temperature, loading of catalysts, on hydrogen production characteristics will be discussed. Kinetic behavior of the hydrolysis reaction in such limiting water supply conditions will also be investigated. Based on experimental outcomes, optimal conditions on hydrogen production from this hydrogen storage system will be proposed.