Hydrogen generation from Mg–LiBH4 hydrolysis improved by AlCl3 addition

On-site on-demand hydrogen generation from a new Mg–LiBH4–AlCl3 system has been established. The hydrogen yield, mHGR (maximum hydrogen generation rate) and reaction stability can be adjusted by changing the samples' compositions, milling time and water/mixture ratios. The Mg-9 wt.%LiBH4-1 wt.%AlCl3 composite reaches a conversion yield of 87%, corresponding to 1083.5 ml H2 g−1 (composite), and the mHGR is 1256.9 ml min−1 g−1 in 60 min at 298 K. The synergistic effect between Mg and LiBH4 as well as the catalytic effects of LiBH4–AlCl3 additives both contribute to the improved hydrolytic performances. Compared with the hydrolysis of single Mg or Mg–LiBH4 system, the Mg–LiBH4–AlCl3 mixture has greatly improved its hydrogen yield and mHGR. This mixture is promising for its application as portable hydrogen sources.