Dehydrogenation catalysis of mixed metal Borohydride Ammoniates

8a6c6dc1-3d40-42fe-a3f0-bc0b95c92d4d

Active

EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC
EPSRC

No funds listed.

Sept. 30, 2020

June 18, 2025

The development of new hydrogen storage materials with high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen
densities is essential to implement fuel cell technology for both mobile and stationary applications.
Boron hydride materials involving the combination of H and H during dehydrogenation offer good
hydrogen storage and release properties. Of these compounds, the metal borohydride ammoniates
(MBAs), and, more recently, mixed metal borohydride ammoniates are
among the premier candidates for hydrogen storage materials, possessing high gravimetric hydrogen
storage capacities at relatively reasonable dehydrogenation temperatures However, the highly
endothermic nature of the thermal decompositions (to effect evolution of H2) still requires high energy
input and can yield undesirable side-products such as boranes or ammonia (the latter resulting from
a preference for deammoniation over dehydrogenation). It has been shown that the use of a catalyst
can promote dehydrogenation over deammoniation reactions for MBAs. In order to develop MMBA
materials in hydrogen storage improvements in selectivity, dehydrogenation reaction conditions and
understanding of the chemical processes involved are of significant importance. We propose to
achieve improvements to MMBA dehydrogenation reactions through the development of new
catalytic methodologies to effect the thermolysis and undertake rigorous experiments to understand
the chemical processes. Using mechanistic experiments and kinetic investigations we will propose
mechanisms for these reactions, this information will lead to new catalysts for improvements in areas
such as selectivity and temperatures for thermal decomposition.

Potential Impact:
The RI self-assessment of an individual's research projects will mean that the cohort have a high degree of understanding of the potential beneficial impact from their research on the economy, society and the environment. This then places the cohort as the best ambassadors for the CDT, hence most pathways to impact are through the students, facilitated by the CDT.

Industrial impact of this CDT is in working closely together with key industry players across the hydrogen sector, including through co-supervision, mentoring of doctoral students and industry involvement in CDT events. Our industrial stakeholders include those working on hydrogen production (ITM Power, Hydrogen Green Power, Pure Energy) and distribution (Northern Gas, Cadent), storage (Luxfer, Haydale, Far UK), safety (HSL, Shell, ITM Power), low carbon transport (Ulemco, Arcola Energy), heat and power (Bosch, Northern Gas).

Policy impact of the CDT research and other activities will occur through cohort interactions with local authorities (Nottingham City Council) and LEPs (LLEP, D2N2) through the CDT workshops and conference. A CDT in Parliament day will be facilitated by UKHFCA (who have experience in lobbying the government on behalf of their members) and enable the cohort to visit the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST), BEIS and to meet with local MPs. Through understanding the importance of evidence gathering by Government Departments and the role this has in informing policy, the cohort will be encouraged to take the initiative in submitting evidence to any relevant requests for evidence from POST.

Public impact will be achieved through developing knowledge-supported interest of public in renewable energy in particular the role of hydrogen systems and infrastructure. Special attention will be paid to demonstration of safety solutions to prove that hydrogen is not more or less dangerous compared to other fuels when it is dealt with professionally and systems are engineered properly. The public, who are ultimate beneficiaries of hydrogen technologies, will be engaged through different communication channels and the CDT activities to be aware of our work. We will communicate important conclusions of the CDT research at regional, national, and international events as appropriate.

Socio-economic impact. There are significant socio-economic opportunities, including employment, for hydrogen technologies as the UK moves to low carbon transport, heat and power supply. For the UK to have the opportunity to take an international lead in hydrogen sector we need future innovation leaders. The CDT supported by partners we will create conditions for and exploit the opportunities to maximise socio-economic impact.

Students will be expected in years 3 and 4 to undertake a research visit to an industry partner and/or to undertake a knowledge transfer secondment. It is expected these visits (supported by the CDT) will be a significant benefit to the student's research project through access to industry expertise, exploring the potential impact of their research and will also be a valuable networking experience.