Nanostructured graphite-induced destabilization of LiBH₄ for reversible hydrogen storage

In this study, nanostructured graphite (nano-G) was added to LiBH₄ and examined with respect to its effect on the hydrogen storage properties of the system. Our study found that nano-G is an effective additive for promoting the reversible dehydrogenation of the LiBH₄. A series of control experiments were carried out to optimize the sample preparation method, milling time and addition amount of nano-G. In comparison with the pure LiBH₄, the LiBH₄/nano-G composite prepared under optimized conditions exhibits enhanced dehydrogenation kinetics and improved cyclic stability. Particularly, after addition of LiH to the LiBH₄/nano-G composite, the reversibility was further improved. A combination of phase/chemical state analyses has been conducted to gain insight into the promoting effect of nano-G on the reversible dehydrogenation of the LiBH₄. Our study found that nano-G exerts its promoting effect via interaction with LiBH₄ and as grinding aid.