ESRF Scientists Use Lithium Borohydride (LiBH4) to Create Hydrogen

December 5, 2007 | By Hydro Kevin Kantola | Filed in: Hydrogen Fuel Production.

Researchers at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) have discovered that lithium borohydride (LiBH4) holds promise in creating massive amounts of hydrogen cheaply. Lithium borohydride is a hydrogen rich compound with a high energy density that has been proposed over the years for use as rocket fuel.

The ESRF scientists have discovered a new form of lithium borohydride that releases hydrogen at lower temperatures. This new form of LiBH4 is also less stable, meaning that it releases the hydrogen atoms much more easily than other compounds.

Researchers next have to use chemical engineering technology to make the new form of lithium borohydride work under ambient conditions. The science team has published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Angewandte Chemie.

If the ESRF researchers can achieve their goal then this new LiBH4 could be used in many devices small and large including laptop batteries, other portable devices, hydrogen cars, hydrogen generators and fueling stations.


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