(117s) On the Mechanism of NaBH4 Hydrolysis: Raman Spectra of Solid Species

Raman spectra were obtained for four species of sodium metaborate (NaBO₂?xH₂O where x = 4, 2, 0.5, and 0) during dehydration in a temperature controlled reactor cell. Dehydration was also characterized by TGA and DSC analysis, and by visual observation. This investigation is useful for elucidation of the mechanism of NaBH₄ hydrolysis with steam, which produces hydrogen gas and the solid hydrated sodium metaborate, NaBO₂?xH₂O. Spectra were also taken of NaBH₄ during heating to reaction conditions. NaBH₄ is potentially valuable as a hydrogen storage compound because hydrogen liberated during its hydrolysis can be used in fuel cells. A technique was developed to obtain in-situ Raman spectra at different temperatures, pressures, and humidities. The technique was further evaluated by obtaining preliminary data under reaction conditions. Information gained from characterization of solid species and from spectra taken during reaction will be useful for molecular simulation of the pathway of NaBH₄ hydrolysis.