Quaternary ammonium borohydride adsorption in mesoporous silicate MCM-48

Michael J. Wolverton, Luke L. Daemen, Monika A. Hartl

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inorganic borohydrides have a high gravimetric hydrogen density but release H2 only under energetically unfavorable conditions. Surface chemistry may help in lowering thermodynamic barriers, but inclusion of inorganic borohydrides in porous silica materials has proved hitherto difficult or impossible. We show that borohydrides with a large organic cation are readily adsorbed inside mesoporous silicates, particularly after surface treatment. Thermal analysis reveals that the decomposition thermodynamics of tetraalkylammonium borohydrides are substantially affected by inclusion in MCM-48. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) data show that the compounds adsorb on the silica surface. Evidence of pore loading is supplemented by DSC/TGA, XRD, FTIR, and BET isotherm measurements. Mass spectrometry shows significant hydrogen release at lower temperature from adsorbed borohydrides in comparison with the bulk borohydrides. INS data from partially decomposed samples indicates that the decomposition of the cation and anion is likely simultaneous. These data confirm the formation of Si-H bonds on the silica surface upon decomposition of adsorbed tetramethylammonium borohydride.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIn-Situ and Operando Probing of Energy Materials at Multiscale Down to Single Atomic Column - The Power of X-Rays, Neutrons and Electron Microscopy
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages43-48
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781605112398
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1262
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

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